The Conservatives score a big victory in a by-election without a strong Independent, meaning there’s more nuance to this one than the headline figures suggest.
By-elections
By-Election Preview: Rutherglen and Hamilton West (UK Parliament) 5th of October 2023
The long saga of Rutherglen and Hamilton West finally draws to a close with a by-election that couldn’t come at a worse time for the SNP – or a better time for Labour.
By-Election Preview: Tain and Easter Ross (Highland) 28th of September 2023
The Lib Dems are given a clearer run at winning the seat vacated by one of their own councillors, as a popular Independent chooses not to attempt a return.
By-Election Preview: Girvan and South Carrick (South Ayrshire) 21st of September 2023
Our first autumn by-election goes to South Ayrshire, which had barely a peep of political interest in the last term, as the SNP group leader’s resignation opens the way for a likely Conservative victory.
By-Election Result: East Kilbride West
With a Labour victory already all but assured in this by-election, a second place for the Conservatives was further salt in the wound for the struggling SNP.
By-Election Result: Bellshill
The first by-election since Humza Yousaf took office came under dire circumstances both nationally and locally, leading to exactly the easy Labour victory I’d predicted.
By-Election Preview: East Kilbride West (South Lanarkshire) 6th of July 2023
An SNP-triggered by-election in the only East Kilbride ward they weren’t overall winners in 2022 comes at the worst possible time for the party and seems almost certain to go Labour’s way.
By-Election Preview: Bellshill (North Lanarkshire) 15th of June 2023
Former councillor, and briefly council leader, Jordan Linden’s departure caps off a period of absolute chaos for the local SNP group, leaving the by-election wide open for a Labour win.
By-Election Result: Dunblane and Bridge of Allan
The Conservatives sweep to a solid victory in what had last year been a tight race against the SNP, whilst the Greens take a much heavier hit than they should be happy with in one of their core wards.
By-Election Result: Corstorphine and Murrayfield
As expected, the Lib Dems romp home to a stonking victory, handing them complete control of a ward.