 | 'In head-to-head contests with New Labour, it is clear that the SNP are moving strongly ahead. There is no enthusiasm in Scotland for Tony Blair's southern-focused New Labour - as all local government by-elections are showing.' Scottish National Party Chief Executive, Michael Russell. |  |
The SNP came from third place to win in a head-to-head fight against Labour, who were second last time around. John McCutcheon took over 61.8 % of the vote, up from 14% last time round and had a majority of 290 over Labour.
The result represents a swing of 26.4% from Labour to the SNP and is a severe blow to Tony Blair's New Labour party who had high hopes of regaining this ward which they lost to Independent Mr William Kemp in 1992.
Labour's local government by-election fiascos are almost losing their power to shock. However, they must be worrying the party leadership. If such results are repeated in the general election, anything could happen.
Commenting on the result, SNP chief executive Mr Michael Russell said:
"This is a sensational result for the SNP, and confirms our strong showing in recent local government by-elections. This win follows on from last month's SNP gain from Labour in the Harbour ward of Edinburgh City Council.
"SNP support in Old Kilpatrick soared from 14 per cent in April 1995 to 62 per cent, rising by over 500 votes. And Labour's vote actually fell - despite the fact that it was a two-party contest in the by-election, compared to a three-way fight last year.
"In head-to-head contests with New Labour, it is clear that the SNP are moving strongly ahead. There is no enthusiasm in Scotland for Tony Blair's southern-focused New Labour - as all local government by-elections are showing.
"This win by the SNP candidate, John McCutcheon, gives the SNP our eighth seat on the 22-member Council - an area of strong growth in SNP support in recent years."
| 29 th November 1996 | 6 th April 1995 | ||||||
| John McCutcheon |  | 760 | 61.8 | William Kemp | Ind | 863 | 52.9% |
 | 470 | 38.2 | James Boyle | | 540 | 33.1% | |
| Alexander Scullion | | 228 | 14.0% | ||||
| SNP gain from Independent | SNP maj | 290 | 23.6% | Ind gain | Ind maj | 323 | 19.8% |
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