 He was re-selected as a candidate for the 2012 Scottish local elections again in the Forth ward this time with a running-mate.He polled 1,377 first preferences and took the third seat in the ward exceeding the quota.After the elections he was re-elected Leader of an enlarged SNP group and he again became Deputy Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council as the Scottish Labour Party and the SNP formed a grand-coalition after the election.