Local Byelections

'The Government's treatment of Scotland's local government map could push people into the independence corner.'
Labour Lord Provost of Aberdeen, James Wyness, July 1993.

Craigneuk (North Lanarkshire) 13 th June 1996

The Scottish National Party were delighted with the result of the by-election in the Craigneuk ward of North Lanarkshire Council last night, where the SNP secured 40 per cent of the vote - halving Labour's majority since last year's unitary authority elections, with a 12 per cent swing.

Commenting on the results, the SNP's Chief Executive Mr Michael Russell said:

'The SNP's share of the vote in Craigneuk rocketed from a quarter to 40 per cent. The 12 per cent swing from Labour to the SNP represents a gain on a strong performance in the unitary authority elections last year, when the SNP turned in a record performance.

'Once again, New Labour have failed to punch their opinion poll weight. In every election this year - in local by-elections, in the English local elections, and in parliamentary by-elections - New Labour's opinion poll ratings have faded away in the polling booths.

'The voters are not enthused by Tony Blair's southern-focussed New Labour. It is the SNP's message that is getting through, and attracting an increasing number of traditional Labour voters.'

Craigneuk

13 th June 1996				6 th April 1995
		889	61.3 %	James Foley		979	73.1 %
		562	38.7 %	Margaret Richmond		360	26.9 %
Lab hold	Lab maj	327	22.6 %	Lab gain	Lab maj	619	46.2 %

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