A two-fer of Perth City By-Elections to (possibly) wrap up 2020’s by-elections. Expect the SNP to romp home in North, but South is a much more complex three-way split, with SNP and Lib Dems probably in a better position than the Conservatives.
By-elections
North Lanarkshire By-Elections, 04/03/2021
Two by-elections, in two wards that have already had by-elections since 2017, with Labour capable of winning both, which would give them every councillor in both. Guys, this wasn’t how STV was meant to go.
Ellon and District (Aberdeenshire) By-Election Result
In the first party-political by-election anywhere in the UK since March, the SNP snatch a narrow surprise win over the Conservatives.
Craigentinny/Duddingston (Edinburgh) By-Election, 12/11/2020
Prompted by an SNP resignation, re-calculating 2017 has Labour close behind. Given each party’s current polling, odds are on the SNP coming out on top.
October 2020 Islands By-Election Results
After a pandemic-induced break, the first by-elections since March not just in Scotland but anywhere in the UK took place over the past week. This was a gentle easing back into by-elections for politics nerds, as both were for largely-Independent Islands councils.
Kincorth/Nigg/Cove (Aberdeen) By-Election, 05/11/2020
Of the three by-elections that were due on the 5th, we’re down to just this one in Aberdeen. Following an SNP Councillor’s election as MP, they should easily hold their seat.
Ellon and District (Aberdeenshire) By-Election, 15/10/2020
Following the SNP electing a councillor as MP for Gordon, this by-election could see the Conservatives gain a seat, making up for their mistake in 2017 of nominating too few candidates.
Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas Nan Loch (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) By-Election, 08/10/2020
A second Islands council by-election, this time for the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, is likely to follow the Islands norm with an Independent victory – but what Independent?
North Isles (Orkney) By-Election, 01/10/2020
For the first Scottish by-election since they all ground to a halt in March due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we’re taking a trip to Orkney. Expect this to follow the islands norm with an Independent.
Eilean a’ Cheò By-Election Result
The second by-election of the decade took us on our fourth visit to Highland Council since BBS launched, and their fifth by-election since the full council in 2017.