LABOUR leader Stephen McCabe says post-election talks with other parties are going in the right direction as he looks to lead an 'inclusive' council fit to face huge challenges ahead.

Mr McCabe has indicated that he has an agreement in place with one party as discussions continue with remaining groups.

All parties agreed that Labour as the biggest party has won the right to try to form a minority administration.

Mr McCabe says relations with the second biggest group, the SNP, are good as both parties come out of the election in a stronger position.

But the Port Glasgow and Kilmacolm councillor, who is seeking to lead the council for the fifth time, warned that everyone in the chamber will have to face up to tough challenges ahead.

Councillor McCabe said: "The dynamics are very different this time round.

"We have gained one councillor and so has the SNP.

"I have a very good relationship with Elizabeth Robertson and we are both aware of the challenges this council faces in the new term.

"There are a lot of changes for the better, we have more women on the council and that is a huge step forward, we also have younger elected members as well.

"I want to lead an inclusive council where all the groups are involved and working together.

"I think it has the makings of a really good council where we are all prepared to work together.

"We are all under no illusions about the financial challenges we face - the new councillors are getting training and one of the sessions from the officials is about the financial position of the council.

"They will now know that there are some really tough decisions that have to be made."

Back in 2017 Labour rejected a proposal by then-SNP group leader Chris McEleny to power share and instead formed a minority administration after coming to an agreement with the other groups.

It is expected an agreement on an administration could be in place by the end of this week or early next, ahead of the first statutory meeting of the new council term on May 19.