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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Delayed at the very last minute from March, a strong Conservative lead here in 2017 won’t weather an SNP result akin to Ellon this time. A complete toss up.
We’re still on the west coast of Scotland for 2020’s second council by-election on the 12th … Eilean a’ Cheò (Highland) By-Election, 12/03/2020Read more
For the very first Scottish election of the decade, we were down in Dumfries and Galloway. The stonking Conservative figure means this is the first single-seat by-election since Ballot Box Scotland launched two years ago where the winner did so on first preferences.
For the New Year – and new decade – we’re going straight into the Mid Galloway … Mid Galloway and Wigtown West (Dumfries and Galloway) By-Election, 23/01/2020Read more
