Derek Milligan (Lab) made the comments at a recent meeting of the full council, in which he called for the local authority to offer its full support to the Scottish Qualifications Agency's campaign to remain in the county, and to provide all the assistance it can in its bid to relocate to Shawfair.

Also shortlisted for the possible relocation are two existing buildings in West Edinburgh.

Councillor Milligan told members: "To give it to West Edinburgh would just be sheer madness," adding: "It's quite clear that this is by far the best site."

His calls received backing from across the parties, with Councillor Colin Beattie pledging the SNP's support, while the Liberal Democrats' Councillor Les Thacker said: "Fingers crossed it comes to us."

The SQA, currently based at Ironmills Road in Dalkeith, provides 220 full time jobs and seasonal work.

The bid to relocate to Shawfair has been backed by Rhona Brankin MSP, David Hamilton MP, Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce and Midlothian Trade Union Council.

Pointing to the loss of the mining industry, Edinburgh Crystal and Ferranti, Councillor Alex Bennett (Lab) said: "I think it's important as a council that we have support for the retention of jobs in Midlothian, because over the past 20 or 30 years we have seen a massive change."

Cabinet spokesman for Strategic Services, Councillor Russell Imrie, added: "Five years we have been at this one, and a lot of water has gone under the bridge. There does not need to be a division when it's for the greater good of Midlothian."

Councillor Adam Montgomery (Lab) said: "One of the reasons it moved from Causewayside to Midlothian was because there were so many locals from Midlothian that worked in it. It's not a thing we would want to move from the area."

A final decision on the move is expected to be announced shortly.