Scottish Labour has managed to retain seats in the recent North Lanarkshire Council by-elections. Margaret Quigley was elected in Fortissat, replacing former Scottish Labour councillor Kenneth Stevenson, who was elected as an MP in the recent General Election. In Mossend and Holytown, Helena Gray was elected, taking over from former Scottish Labour councillor Frank McNally, who also won a seat in the General Election.
In Fortissat, Quigley secured 807 first preference votes, defeating Progressive Change candidate Mary McIntosh, who received 529 votes. SNP candidate Brendan McAleese came in third with 447 votes. The turnout in Fortissat was relatively low at 17.9%.
On the other hand, in Mossend and Holytown, Gray received 616 first preference votes, surpassing the SNP’s Shahnawaz Khan, who received 586 votes. The turnout in this area was even lower at 15.8%.
Des Murray, the returning officer, congratulated Quigley and Gray on their election victories and expressed his anticipation of seeing them at the upcoming council meeting.
It is evident that Scottish Labour has managed to maintain its presence in North Lanarkshire despite the changes brought about by the recent General Election. The low turnout at both by-elections may indicate a lack of engagement or interest among the local population, highlighting the importance of encouraging citizens to participate in the democratic process.
Moving forward, Quigley and Gray will have the opportunity to represent their constituents and address the various issues facing North Lanarkshire. Their success in the by-elections demonstrates the continued support for Scottish Labour in the region and sets the stage for their contributions to the local council.
Overall, the outcome of the by-elections in North Lanarkshire reaffirms the political landscape in the area and underscores the significance of active participation in local governance. As Quigley and Gray assume their new roles, they will undoubtedly work towards fulfilling their electoral promises and serving the best interests of the community.