Labour councillor Margaret Brisley is the new Provost of Stirling

Falkirk was previously led by an SNP/Independent administration but Labour has gained the support of two Independent members to take control.

Labour councillor Pat Reid was named as the authority's new provost.

Meanwhile in Stirling, former teacher and now Labour councillor Margaret Brisley was elected to represent the authority as its new provost.

She was nominated by Labour group leader Corrie McChord and seconded by Liberal Democrat group leader Graham Reed.

First meeting

A decision over which party will hold the balance of power on the local authority is due to be taken at a full council meeting next Thursday.

Ms Brisley's appointment was made at the first meeting of the new council since the election.

It returned eight Labour councillors, seven SNP members, four Conservatives and three Liberal Democrats.