Local By-elections

'Cllr Scott Farmer is the SNP's latest elected representative following his decisive victory in a local authority by-election in Borestone in Stirling Council tonight, gained by a swing from Labour of over 16 per cent.' Scottish National party, 30 th March 2006.

Borestone (Stirling) 30 th March 2006

Borestone - ward 10

Scottish National Party gain from Labour

SNP Cllr Scott Farmer

There was a by-election for the Borestone ward of Stirling Council on the 30 th March 2006 following the death of Labour Cllr Patrick Kelly on 28 th January 2006. The date was brought forward from the previously announced 27 th April 2006 due to Stirling council being unable to set a budget due to the lack of a quorum for the council meeting. Following the by-election there are eleven Labour councillors including the Provost), ten Tory councillors and one Scottish National Party Councillor.

Borestone is in the Stirling Westminster parliamentary seat (held by Labour's Anne McGuire MP) and in the Stirling Scottish parliamentary seat (held by Labour's Dr Sylvia Jackson MSP).

Scottish National Party gain from Labour. Swing: 16.3 % Labour to Scottish National Party.

30 th March 2006 By-election Turnout 45.5 %
Candidate	Logo	Party	Votes	%	% change
Scott Farmer		Scottish National Party	374	38.8 %	+ 16.5 %
Andrew Simpson		Labour	335	34.8 %	- 16.1 %
Gordon Bruce		Liberal Democrat	165	17.1 %	+ 9.1 %
Neil Benny		Conservative	57	5.9 %	- 5.8 %
Donald McDiarmid		New Party	18	1.9 %	(+ 1.9 %)
David McDonald		Independent	14	1.5 %	(+ 1.5 %)
Scottish National Party gain from Labour		Scottish National Party majority	39	4.0 %

1 st May 2003 Turnout % ( %)
Candidate	Logo	Party	Votes	%	% change
Cllr Patrick Kelly		Labour	613	50.9 %	- 5.6 %
Lorraine Reid		Scottish National Party	268	22.3 %	- 10.9 %
Alastair McCulloch		Conservative	141	11.7 %	+ 1.4 %
Gordon Bruce		Liberal Democrat	96	8.0 %	(+ 8.0 %)
Marjory Sutherland		Scotish Socialist Party	86	7.1 %	(+ 7.1 %)
Labour hold		Labour majority	345	28.6 %	+ 5.3 %

6 th May 1999 Turnout 63.4 % (+ 5.4 %)
Candidate	Logo	Party	Votes	%	% change
Cllr Patrick Kelly		Labour	912	56.5 %	- 8.4 %
Francis McChord		Scottish National Party	536	33.2 %	+ 5.5 %
Sylvia Paterson		Conservative	167	10.3 %	+ 2.9 %
Labour hold		Labour majority	367	23.3 %	- 13.9 %

New Council - Borestone - ward 7

6 th April 1995 Turnout 58.0 %
Candidate	Logo	Party	Votes	%	% change
Cllr Patrick Kelly		Labour	980	64.9 %
Roy Anderson		Scottish National Party	419	27.7 %
Simon Fairclough		Conservative	111	7.4 %
Labour win		Labour majority	561	37.2 %

Long-serving Councillor dies

From Stirling Council, 31 st January 2006

A well-valued and respected Stirling councillor, Pat Kelly, has died, aged 71, after a sudden illness.

Councillor Kelly represented Borestone ward on Stirling Council. He was previously a Central Region councillor.

A former athlete, he was once Scottish under-15 220 yards sprint champion. After graduating as a mining engineer, Pat Kelly began his working life as an apprentice engineer for the National Coal Board at Cowie colliery.

Later, he spent many years as an engineer in South African gold mines, but returned to become training officer with the National Coal Board and then with former Stirling District Council. He retired from that post in 1996.

Two years earlier he had been elected to Central Regional Council and was subsequently elected to Stirling Council where he served as chair of the Care committee and of the Children's committee. He also served as Labour group whip for a time.

In addition, he served on the environment and community committees of the council. He was also a member of the licensing board, the dial-a-journey management committee, NHS Forth Valley Board and Paragon Housing Association.

His nickname among councillors was Mr Grumpy, a jocular reference to his being a stickler for punctuality, a legacy from his mining career when sloppy timekeeping could result in docked pay.

Councillor Kelly had a sharp sense of humour. He played Santa Claus at Stirling Council's carol concerts handing out gifts to schoolchildren. His script comprised the words: "Ho, ho, ho', but he joked, "It gets harder each year to remember my lines.'

Asked why he got involved in politics Councillor Kelly replied: "To fight for fairness and equality for all, and to help people unable to help themselves.'

Councillor Kelly was instrumental in keeping open the closure-threatened Hillview children and family centre, St Ninians, Stirling, at the start of his council career. He was also a member of the criminal justice board and secretary of Cowane's Housing Association which built houses for vulnerable people.

Tributes were paid by his political friends and foes alike. Councillor Corrie McChord, leader of Stirling Council, said: "Everyone has been shocked and saddened by Pat's sudden passing. He was carrying out his council duties as usual until late afternoon on Friday.

"I have been both a work and council colleague of Pat's for the past 18 years. He had a real dedication to issues concerning young people and the frail elderly and held particularly strong views on the value of training and development for council staff. He will be sadly missed by members and staff of Stirling Council.'

Keith Yates, chief executive of Stirling Council, said: "Pat Kelly was a conscientious councillor who brought the discipline of the mining industry to council proceedings. He was a champion of the need to give young people a voice, to provide housing for those with special needs, and to allow everyone to participate in sport.'

Councillor Kelly is survived by his wife Agnes, their three children and four grandchildren.

Tories 'using a dead man'

From the Stirling Observer, 15 th February 2006

FURIOUS Labour councillors accused the Tories of callously exploiting the death of one of their colleagues.

Labour councillor Pat Kelly died suddenly on January 28.

A minute's silence was held at the start of Thursday night's meeting as a tribute to him and the council flag flew at half-mast until Friday.

A by-election will be held in the Borestone ward on Thursday, April 27.

However, after the Tories' walkout, which left the council short of a quorum because of Councillor Kelly's absence, several members of the Labour administration voiced their distaste.

Provost Colin O'Brien said: 'It is unfortunate that the Tories have chosen to use the situation of a bereavement.

'I as Provost regret very much that this situation has been used. It is almost despicable.'

Councillor Charlie McKean said: 'They are using a dead man to gain political advantage.

'I have seen a lot of things in my time but never that.'

Asked this week if his own group may not have taken advantage of a similar opportunity, council leader Corrie McChord said: 'I can categorically say we wouldn't have done it.

'I have questioned myself and questioned others in my group and the answer is absolutely not.' Tory group leader Pat Greenhill, however, defended the decision.

She said: 'We had the opportunity and we felt it was right to take this action at this time.

'We would have preferred it to be other than in these circumstances but sadly that's the reality of politics. If an opportunity arises and you feel it is justified you have to go with it.

'We are not just playing politics here. This is an issue which means a lot to us and we genuinely felt that this was worth doing.

'We recognised that the opportunity arose sadly because of Councillor Kelly's death and we thought about it very carefully but this is not just gesture politics.

'The possibility of a negative backlash is something we have to take but we sincerely hope that, when people see exactly what Labour are proposing in their budget, they will agree we made the right decision.'

Tories boycott council tax talks

From BBC Scotland News, 24 th February 2006

Stirling Council has failed in its latest attempt to set council tax rates for the coming year.

The Conservative opposition, who walked out on a previous meeting to set the new rate, boycotted Thursday's proceedings.

Labour has insufficient numbers to push through its budget plans, following the death of one of its councillors.

The ruling administration wants to increase council tax by 4.5%, but the Tories have called for no increase.

The Tories have now asked for a special meeting to discuss the budget - which they describe as atrocious.

Counting the cost

The Scottish Executive could be asked to intervene if agreement cannot be reached.

In a statement, the council said Labour's 11 members were present for the Thursday's meeting but as the 10 Tory councillors did not attend, it was not in quorum.

Speaking earlier this month, council leader Corrie McChord accused the Tories of "a stunt" following their walk-out on 13 February.

He said failure to agree a new rate was costing the council money.

Tory councillor Paul Nelson said the proposed rate was too high and he believed Stirling Council, like Glasgow, should not increase rates.

Mr Nelson also proposed reducing the council's 425-strong workforce in the corporate services department.

Stirling and South Ayrshire are the only councils yet to set new tax rates.

David McDonald to stand as Independent

From David McDonald (Independent), 25 th February 2006

Today David McDonald announced his intention to stand for election in the Borestone by-election as an independent candidate.

David McDonald aged 20 has lived in Stirling all his life with his extended family also living locally.

He was educated locally and attended Edinburgh's Telford College where he achieved an HND Business Management. Whilst at Telford College David became involved with the student Union becoming President in 2004 and member of the Telford board of management. During his time as President David paid back all of the Students Union debt leaving the student union with a surplus of over £7,000 when he left.

David is currently finishing his studies of Economics at Abertay University Dundee and has started his own business in Stirling.

He has a wide experience in local politics as a Member of kings park Community Council, the Stirling Assembly and has been a regular attendee at many community councils throughout Stirling.

For more information please call David McDonald's Campaign office on 01786 451518 or email davidmcdonald99@hotmail.com.

Borestone by-election date announced

From Stirling Council, 27 th February 2006

Ward 10 (Borestone) By-Election

Following the death of Councillor Pat Kelly on 28 January 2006, a vacancy has arisen in the Borestone Ward of Stirling Council.

In view of the continued uncertainty about Stirling Council setting its revenue budget and Council tax for 2006/07, as Returning Officer I have decided to set the following date for the Borestone By-Election:
Thursday 30 March 2006.

Keith Yates
Returning Officer
Stirling Council
27 February 2006

Nomination papers are available from the Election Office, Rm 53, Old Viewforth, Stirling FK8 2ET from Monday 27 February 2006.

Rift deepens in budget row

From the Stirling Observer, 1 st March 2006

THE bitter war of words at Stirling Council has intensified as Tory councillors chose to boycott the latest attempt by their Labour counterparts to set a budget.

As expected, the Tories waited outside last Thursday's reconvened budget meeting, once again leaving the meeting without a quorum.

Labour councillors waited the obligatory 15 minutes before a particularly solemn Provost Colin O'Brien officially declared the meeting over before it had even begun.

Another attempt will be made tomorrow (Thursday) at 5pm, with the same result likely.

However, at 5.30pm a special meeting will begin, requested by the Tories. The agenda has all of the same items, apart from the budget, and it is expected to be a particularly heated affair.

Outside the chambers last Thursday Tory group leader Pat Greenhill said: 'Regretably the Labour group has not felt able to come forward with any sort of compromise.

'I have written to them twice, asking if at the least they would consider some of the alternative savings we suggested, which would perhaps enable them to alleviate the worst of the cuts.

'I can honestly say we have been inundated with letters from every part of Stirling, rural and urban, so the strength of feeling must make them stop and think about what they are doing.

'We have no desire to put the council in the position of not meeting its legal obligations - we would never do that - but we have taken this opportunity to ask Labour to rethink their budget.

'I can honestly say I have been heartened by the response from people who have got in touch to say they were glad someone was standing up for them.'

Labour councillors are livid, however, and are slating the Tories for their tactics, which they say are costing the council thousands of pounds every day and seriously hindering the day-to-day business of the council.

Some are even suggesting the Tories' real motivation is not for the good of the people of Stirling but to satisfy their own political ambitions.

Children's service operational chair Colin Finlay said: -The only real figures the Tories have scrutinised and studied are those relating to next year's single transferable vote election in 2007.

'They have done their maths and they now know that of their 10 mischief-makers they will be lucky if five are back in local government next year.

'They are well aware they will never be in any position to form any kind of administration and over the coming months, unfortunately for the people of Stirling, they will continue to wreak havoc on the democratic process.

'They will maintain their spoiling tactics as they know they are headed for the political wilderness.'

Sauchenford councillor Gerard O'Brien said: 'If you remove all the spin and disinformation that has abounded on the setting of this year's budget, the facts speak for themselves.

'As a Labour administration we have listened tentatively and with respect to the Tories' budget submission. In addition we have spent many many hours, especially the conveners, studying the figures so as to produce a leadership budget that would see us well into 2007 as we endeavour to serve the people of Stirling.

'There was uniform agreement that the Tory budget is an incompetent proposal which in practicality could not be made to work in the window of time open to us.

'To abandon a meeting due to quorum rules because the vote did not go their way and literally walk out reneges on their duty to represent the interests of the people of Stirling. To compound this by boycotting another meeting plumbs the depths of disservice to local democracy and turned a budget setting meeting into showbusiness, at massive cost to the Stirling taxpayer and on the back of the unexpected death of Councillor Pat Kelly.'

By-election brought forward

From the Stirling Observer, 1 st March 2006

BORESTONE voters could be facing one of Stirling's most keenly fought by-elections ever.

Returning officer Keith Yates, Stirling Council's chief executive, took the decision this week to reschedule the vote.

The by-election was to have taken place on April 27 but has been brought forward to March 30.

The area has been held by Labour for more than a decade, with the late Councillor Pat Kelly serving as the councillor for the ward until his death on January 28.

With feelings running high over Labour's proposed budget cuts, particularly the effects on play services, and the Tories accused of plunging the council into disarray, voters could use the opportunity to demonstrate whose line they are siding with over recent events - or to vote for a different candidate entirely.

Mr Yates said: 'In view of the continued uncertainty about Stirling Council setting its revenue budget and council tax for 2006/07, as returning officer I have decided to set the date for the Borestone by-election for Thursday, March 30.'

As reported in last Wednesday's Observer, Mr Yates issued a letter to all 22 councillors, claiming that the budget row was damaging not just the council's reputation but Stirling's.

It was seen by some as an attempt to 'knock heads together'.

Independent David McDonald is one of the first to declare his candidacy for the Borestone vacancy.

He said if elected he would "act as an honest broker between both parties to resolve this serious budget crisis".

Student David (20) said: 'Today in Stirling local politics is driven not locally but from Holyrood and Westminister. There is a desperate need for local and independent representation in Stirling. As an independent I am not allied with any political party or ideology, allowing me to fully and honestly represent people's interests to the best of my ability at council level.

'I have lived in Stirling all my life and have always taken a keen interest in local affairs. I am currently a member of Kings Park Community Council and the Stirling Assembly. 'It is my belief that I can bring a fresh approach to the running of Stirling with new and innovative policies that our city desperately needs to restore its reputation as one of Scotland's best cities.'

David supports the proposed council housing stock transfer, would like to secure additional funding for Stirling's public parks, wants pavements as well as roads fixed and is pledging to put foward an independent budget which would not increase council tax above the rate of inflation.

Nomination papers are available from the Election office, Room 53, Old Viewforth, Stirling, FK8 2ET. They must be returned by 4pm on Wednesday, March 8.

Names in election frame

From the Stirling Observer, 8 th March 2006

SEVERAL candidates have now been announced for the Borestone by-election.

The election is being held on March 30, as a result of the death of Councillor Pat Kelly earlier this year.

Hoping to carry on the representing the ward for Labour is local man Andrew Simpson.

A well known figure in the area, Andrew has lived in St Ninians for more than 40 years, and has been active in the local community.

The SNP has selected Scott Farmer as their candidate.

Scott, who lives in Whins of Milton, works as a homeless person's manager in Edinburgh and is currently a director with Stirling Health and Wellbeing Alliance.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate is Gordon Bruce, who also lives in the ward.

The Scottish Conservatives have selected Neil Benny. Born in Stirling he attended Borestone Primary and Stirling High School before graduating from Edinburgh University with an honours degree in economic history.

Working at present in Edinburgh, he hopes to become a secondary school teacher.

Also in the running is independent candidate David McDonald, a student who is currently a member of Kings Park Community Council and the Stirling Assembly.

Budget set after Tories back down

From the Stirling Observer, 10 th March 2006

WEEKS of political wrangling came to a end last Thursday after Tory councillors abandoned their stand-off over the controversial budget proposed by Stirling Council's Labour administration.

The budget, which involves a 4.5 per cent rise in council tax and cuts in play services, gritting, schools operational costs and other areas, was finally approved.

There were no concessions, despite the Tories dragging out the process for three weeks.

The opposition had walked out of the first budget meeting in protest, leaving the meeting without a quorum, and then refused to attend a reconvened meeting two weeks later.

The Tories finally attended another attempt to reconvene last week, only minutes after legal services director Bob Jack addressed a special council meeting. He drove home to all councillors the serious and far-reaching implications if a budget was not approved.

The deadline for approving a budget and setting a council tax was March 11, after which the Scottish Executive could have sent in a team to set a budget without any input from either political group.

While it remains to be seen whether the apparent anger and bitterness which built between some members of the groups can be set aside, the immediate issues at least have been dealt with.

Last Thursday the budget went through in seconds.

Asked after the meeting if she felt the Tories' attempts to force the Labour administration into a rethink had been a failure, Tory group leader Councillor Pat Greenhill said she felt it had been quite the reverse.

'I definitely feel this has been an achievement,' she said.'We knew what we were doing from the beginning. We had asked all the questions and knew what we could do and when it had to stop, because we would never cost the council money, despite the allegations which have been made.

'We were also very aware of the date when people's housing benefit would be affected.

'But this has been a success in that it has highlighted the content of the administration's budget.

'People in this area now know what to expect and I very much regret that the administration did not feel able to compromise and have pushed through unacceptable cuts and another council tax rise. I expect them to be held to account at the ballot box.

'As the year unfolds we will take the opportunity to remind people of the cuts in services.'

Asked if she felt the two political groups could ever again forge the sort of positive working relationship they had once been praised for, Councillor Greenhill said: 'I think it is good for democracy that people don't become complacent and just presume that everything that comes before the council will automatically get voted through.

'Both sides have to make sure of what their position is and what they believe in.'

Council leader Corrie McChord said he was 'deeply relieved' that the situation had been resolved.

'We might be able to return to some sense of normality now,' he said.

'I believe there are lessons to be learned and I hope all members have learned through this experience.

'However, I don't think scrutinising standing orders is the way forward because the culture and cooperation of members is much more important.

'I think there was obviously stress on both sides of the political divide.

'I have never been of the opinion that we should return to a further budget exercise.

'There has been enough pain within services and to go down to the Scottish average of the council tax would have caused us even more pain. All the directors have produced serious savings options.'

Former fire officer is final candidate for by-election

From the Stirling Observer, 15 th March 2006

SIX candidates will contest the Borestone by-election on March 30.

The final candidate to complete the line-up was announced as former Stirling fire officer Donald McDiarmid, who is standing for the New Party.

The other candidates, who had already announced their intention to stand, are Neil Benny (Conservative), Gordon Bruce (Lib-Dems), Scott Farmer (SNP), David McDonald (Independent) and Andrew Simpson (Labour).

Polling will take place between 8am and 9pm at Borestone Primary School, Newpark Crescent, St Ninians.

The count will take place at the school following the close of the poll.

The by-election was called following the death of Councillor Pat Kelly who represented the ward from 1994 until his death in January 2006.

Any elector can apply for a postal or proxy vote at this election.

Applications to vote by post or by proxy must reach the electoral registration officer, Hillside House, Laurelhill, Stirling FK7 9JQ by 5pm on Wednesday March 22.

Applications to cancel or alter postal and proxy votes or to change from postal to proxy voting must reach the electoral registration officer at the same address by 5pm today (Wednesday).

For advice on postal or proxy voting contact (01786) 892200.

Borestone voters go to the polls

From the Stirling Observer, 29 th March 2006

BORESTONE voters are preparing to go to the polls tomorrow (Thursday) to elect their new local councillor.

Polling will take place between 8am and 9pm at Borestone Primary School, Newpark Crescent, St Ninians.

The count will take place at the school following the close of the poll.

The by-election was called following the death of Labour councillor Pat Kelly, who represented the ward from 1994 until his death in January 2006.

The electorate has six candidates to choose from: Neil Benny (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party), Gordon Bruce (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Scott Farmer (Scottish National Party), Donald McDiarmid (The New Party), David McDonald (Independent) and Andrew Simpson (Scottish Labour Party).

Mr Benny, who is pushing Stirling Council to make improvements to the St Ninians roundabout underpass, said: 'I am honoured to stand for the council ward of Borestone as a Conservative. I grew up here and I know what it is like to constantly be let down by a Labour administration that doesnÕt care about St Ninians.

'This by-election is an opportunity for the hard working people of Stirling to send a message to Labour.'

Gordon Bruce, who lives in the ward, said: 'We need to get away from the ding-dong party political squabbles that are bringing out council into disrepute.

'The recent pantomime over setting the budget demonstrates why we need new voices of moderation and common sense.

'I will campaign to reverse the cuts in childrenÕs play services and school maintenance and cleaning. Children must not be victms of these petty council dogfights.'

Scott Farmer said: 'New Labour has completely lost touch with the residents of Stirling.

'The council tax increase recently announced is well above the rate of inflation, it severely impacts on everyone but especially our elderly, many of whom only have the state pension to live on.

'I want to see the council tax replaced with a local income tax, based on the ability to pay.

'Issues such as youth disorder, vandalism and drugs need to be addressed. I want the former MFI building at Maitland Crescent turned into a community centre.

'Stirling needs fresh thinking. I want to be that breath of fresh air and I want common sense policies that meet peopleÕs needs.'

Donald McDiarmid, a former fire officer in Stirling, said: 'Having lived in council housing most of my life I am well aware of many of the problems in Borestone. These problems are not being addressed by the Labour council.

'We now have a chance to break the mould and end the two-party Punch and Judy politics that dominates Stirling Council.

'For two long the two parties, Labour and Conservative, have played tit for tat with each other and the people of Borestone and the rest of the electorate have been let down. The New Party is committed to ending this deadlock.'

David McDonald said: 'Tomorrow people will have the chance for the first time in more than a decade to vote for an independent in Borestone.

'I hope that people will use this fantastic opportunity to vote Independent and put an end to the two-party Punch and Judy politics that has dominated Stirling for so long.

'During my campaign I have had a great response from people in the ward and received many letters of support from other independents from across Scotland.'

Labour hopeful Andrew Simpson is a well-known figure in the Borestone area having lived in St Ninians for more than 40 years.

'I'm committed to working for the people of the Borestone area,' said Mr Simpson.

At the last local elections in May 2003, the late Councillor Kelly polled 613 votes for Labour, more than half of the votes cast, and secured a 345 majority.

The SNP polled 268 votes, Tories 141, Lib-Dems 96 and Scottish Socialist Party 86.

Results and reaction for the by-election will be in the Stirling Observer next Wednesday.

Borestone By-Election Results

From Stirling Council, 30 th March 2006

The SNP have won the Stirling by-election in the Borestone Ward.

Scott Farmer took the seat from Labour with a majority of 39. The result means Stirling now has 11 Labour councillors, 10 Conservative councillors and 1 Scottish National Party councillor.

The by-election was called following the death of long serving Councillor Pat Kelly who had held the seat on Stirling Council since 1996, and previously sat on Central Regional Council.

The result was:

Neil Benny (Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party) 57 votes

Gordon Bruce (Scottish Liberal Democrats) 165 votes

Scott Farmer (Scottish National Party - SNP) 374 votes

Donald McDiarmid (The New Party Š Time for Change) 18 votes

David McDonald (Independent) 14 votes

Andrew Simpson (Scottish Labour Party) 335 votes

Majority 39

Turnout 45.5%

Electorate 2124

SNP win Stirling by-election

From the Scottish National Party, 30 th March 2006

Cllr Scott Farmer is the SNP's latest elected representative following his decisive victory in a local authority by-election in Borestone in Stirling Council tonight, gained by a swing from Labour of over 16 per cent.

SNP business convener Bruce Crawford MSP said:

"This is a tremendous victory by the SNP in what was previously a safe Labour seat.

"It follows a series of stunning successes by the party across the country, and reinforces our progress as we build towards victory in the 2007 election.

"This has shown once again that the SNP can and will win seats from Labour in their traditional heartlands.

"Scott Farmer will make an excellent Councillor, and will fight for the people of the area. I look forward to working with him and SNP representatives across the country to win the 2007 election."

Cllr Scott Farmer added:

"I'd like to thank all those voters who have placed their trust in me today. I promise them that unlike the Labour Party I will not take their votes for granted, and will continue to campaign hard for the people of this area."

The full result:

SNP 374 (38.8%)
Labour 335 (34.8%)
Lib Dem 165 (17.1%)
Tory 57 (5.9%)

Majority 39

Borestone By Election Result

From the Bannockburn SNP, 30 th March 2006

SNP candidate Scott Farmer wins seat from Labour and wipes the smile from the faces of the New Labour councillors,MP and MSP, who all attended the count at Borestone Primary School.

Scott Farmer

Labour loses two council contests

From BBC Scotland News, 30 th March 2006

Scottish Labour lost two local authority wards in council by-elections on Thursday. The SNP took the Stirling Borestone ward while in Glasgow the Liberal Democrats gained Kings Park.

Scott Farmer became Stirling's sole SNP councillor after winning with a majority of 39 votes. Margot Clark became Glasgow's fourth Lib Dem.

Elsewhere, the Conservatives retained their seat in the Avondale South by-election in South Lanarkshire.

Labour byelection defeats in Scotland

From the Guardian, 31 st March 2006

Labour suffered two landslide byelection defeats in Scotland and lost its overall majority on Stirling council.

The defeats at the hands of Liberal Democrats and the SNP piles on the agony for the party north of border after two losses in February.

It also follows Lib Dems' triumph in the Dunfermline and Fife West Commons contest.

The win by the SNP's Scott Farmer at Borestone gives his party a foothold on Stirling council. Labour now has 11 councillors - with the provost's casting vote - and Tories 10.

Candidate Margot Clark took the Lib Dems to victory from fourth place in 2003 at Kings Park, Glasgow.

The increased Tory majority in their Avondale South enclave at South Lanarkshire highlighted an ominous trend for Labour.

So far this year it has lost five seats - including Dunfermline - with swings ranging from 8% to more than 19% to whichever party the voters think is the most promising challenger locally.

In the Moray Scottish parliament byoelection, announced for April 27, it already starts in third place.

However there was better news for it in England at Nottinghamshire's Mansfield District where candidate Keith Beastall recovered the Forest Town West seat of a former Labour member who became a "people's councillor" after a row over the method of paying the party subscription.

o Analysis of 18 comparable results during March suggests a projected 5.7% nationwide Tory leader over Labour.

A calculation based on 15 three-way contests gives a line-up of Con 37.6%, Lab 30.4%, Lib Dem 26.0%.

This would indicate an advance for Lib Dems in the May main polls, limited overall gains for Tories and net losses for Labour.

Results
Epsom and Ewell Borough - Town: Lib Dem 438, Residents 373, Con 205, Lab 102. (May 2003 - Three seats Lib Dem 574, 564, 548, Residents Association 333, Con 305, Residents 292, 288, Con 280, 277, Lab 149, 145, 139). Lib Dem hold. Swing 0.1% Lib Dem to Con.

Glasgow City - King's Park: Lib Dem 572, Lab 472, SNP 431, C 222, Scottish Socialist party 44, Green 38, Ind 23. (May 2003 - Lab 1117, SNP 609, Con 355, Lib Dem 254, Ind 249). Lib Dem gain from Lab. Swing 19.4% Lab to Lib Dem.

Mansfield District - Forest Town West: Lab 365, Lib Dem 197, Green 187, Con 175, Ind 43. (May 2003 - Three seats Lab 472, Ind 452, Lab 429, Ind 401, Lab 389, Green 341, Con 316, 305, 304). Lab gain from People's Councillor. Swing 5.7% Con to Lab.

South Lanarkshire Council - Avondale South: Con 775, Lab 315, SNP 221, Ind 79, Green 71, Lib Dem 59. (May 2003 - Con 843, Lab 557, SNP 441, Lib Dem 182). Con hold. Swing 8% Lab to Con.

Stirling Council - Borestone: SNP 374, Lab 335, Lib Dem 165, Con 57. (May 2003 - Lab 613, SNP 268, Con 141, Lib Dem 96, Scottish Socialist party 86). SNP gain from Lab. Swing 16.3% Lab to SNP.

By-election defeats pile agony on Labour

From the Scotsman, 1 st April 2006

LABOUR has crashed to two by-election defeats in Scotland and lost its overall majority on Stirling Council.

The losses, at the hands of Liberal Democrats and the SNP, pile on the agony for the party north of the Border after two defeats in February, including the Lib Dems' victory in the contest for the Dunfermline and Fife West seat at Westminster.

The win by the SNP's Scott Farmer at Borestone gives the nationalists a foothold on Stirling Council.

Labour now has 11 councillors - with the Provost's casting vote - and the Tories ten.

Meanwhile, Margot Clark took the Lib Dems to victory from fourth place in 2003 at Kings Park, Glasgow.

So far this year, Labour has lost five seats - including Dunfermline - with swings ranging from 8 per cent to more than 19 per cent to whichever party the voters think is the most promising challenger locally.

Nats Score By Election Win

From the Central FM, 1 st April 2006

The SNP has upset the odds by winning a seat on Stirling Council. The Nationalist's Scott Farmer took the Borestone ward from Labour by just 39 votes. It had been a safe Labour ward, the previous councillor, Pat Kelly, whose death forced the election, polled more than half the votes in 2003.

Another election win

By Ian Goldie in the Scots Independent 7 th April 2006

Well,
another Thursday and another local government by-election win.  Great, as this win was in the Borestone ward of Stirling, named after the site beside the great victory of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn.

Also great, because the SNP won the seat from Labour, recording an increase of 16.5% in our share of vote.   Here are the actual results of our two recent wins:

This result also highlights how well the SNP is doing at winning by-elections.  Of the five local government by-elections held since the beginning of the year, Labour has lost all four of its previously held seats: the SNP has won two, an independent one, and the LibDems one.  In the other by-election, the Conservatives held their own seat in South Lanarkshire.

But one word of warning.  While our activists have worked hard and intelligently, all these victories have also been down to one other basic factor: voters are fed up with Labour and will vote for the party they think is most likely to defeat the Labour candidate.  That is why the LibDems have won a seat in Glasgow Kingspark, and why the Tories held on very easily in South Lanarkshire.

Links

• Stirling Council

• David McDonald (Independent)

I am grateful to David McDonald and Martyn Greene for information concerning the by-election.