A by-election arising in utterly vile circumstances would at any other time be an easy SNP win, but under current conditions it’s Labour with the advantage.
By-elections
By-Election Result: Kilwinning
Absolutely no surprises as Labour swept to an easy victory in a ward they’ve done nothing but grow in strength within over the past few elections.
By-Election Result: Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim
No surprises that the Conservatives won this Angus contest, though the absence of Independents from the ballot for the first time has made everyone’s swing a bit misleading.
By-Election Result: Inverness South
What was pegged as the SNP’s best bet at a by-election win for a long time ends in tears, with an excruciatingly poor first preference tally, leaving an Independent and the Lib Dems to fight it out for the seat.
Kilwinning (North Ayrshire) By-Election 9th of May 2024
The sad passing of a Conservative councillor triggers a by-election that Labour simply cannot lose, in what is easily their strongest ward in North Ayrshire, and one of their strongest anywhere in Scotland.
By-Election Preview: Arbroath West, Letham and Friockheim (Angus) 25th of April 2024
The departure of an Independent who previously led the council may not be welcome for his former foes in the SNP, as it sets up a contest the Conservatives are probably the favourites for at the moment.
By-Election Preview: Inverness South (Highland) 11th of April 2024
A Lib Dem resignation after their weakest result in the ward yet gives the SNP their best shot at a by-election win in 18 months. Yet, Highland Lib Dems are nothing if not unpredictable, and may yet surge to success here.
By-Election Result: Hillhead
Attempts by the far-right masquerading as “Independent Green Voice” fail to prevent the legitimate Greens winning a historic first ever by-election victory, as Labour continue to show strong signs of recovery.
By-Election Preview: Stromness and South Isles (Orkney) 28th of March 2024
The resignation of Orkney Island Council’s Leader has led to a by-election with just two candidates, pitting a former councillor who hasn’t yet actually won a vote against what could be the first woman councillor for the ward.
By-Election Result: Jedburgh and District
The Conservatives saw an expectedly easy victory in one of their strongest wards, whilst Labour managed what is in context a very impressive result.