ABERDEEN’S council leader today insisted the only crisis he was facing was one of “success”.

Barney Crockett said his focus was firmly on the future after a tumultuous week at the Town House.

He also stood by a decision to ban the housing minister from the city and dismissed fears about the council’s credibility.

Cllr Crockett said: “It’s been a hot environment recently and folk will respond to immediate issues.

“But our job is to work to the long-term good of the city and that’s what we’ll be doing.”

He added: “There’s a huge amount to be optimistic about. We have a crisis of success.”

The council was blasted as “undemocratic” after finance convener Willie Young proposed banning Scottish Ministers from council property amid fears visits would be used to campaign for independence.

The administration instead voted to tighten up rules around visits, leading to denials of a U-turn.