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-elections
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.
By-Election Result: Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone
The first by-election of 2023 gives the SNP a spook to start the year, recording their worst share yet in this ward, as a Labour surge into second place on first preferences set the stage for an easy win following transfer rounds.
By-Election Preview: Dunblane and Bridge of Allan (Stirling) 16th of March 2023
The sad passing of an SNP councillor has triggered what could be a real nailbiter of a by-election, with both SNP and Conservatives in contention.
By-Election Preview: Corstorphine and Murrayfield (Edinburgh) 9th of March 2023
The departure of a dissatisfied SNP councillor opens the door for the Lib Dems to take complete control of this ward.
By-Election Preview: Dyce, Bucksburn and Danestone (Aberdeen) 23rd of February 2023
The first by-election of 2023 looks most favourable to the SNP, but recent patterns and polling mean a Labour resurgence shouldn’t be written off.
By-Election Result: Mid Galloway and Wigtown West (2022)
An expected Conservative victory nonetheless bucks national polling trends, with the party gaining ground at the expense of the SNP and Labour despite collapse elsewhere.