SNP WIN BY-ELECTION IN SAFE LABOUR WARD

The SNP is today celebrating a by-election victory in the Thorniewood ward of the North Lanarkshire Council area. In the 2012 local elections, Labour received the largest share of first preferences with 70.5% of votes, whereas in this by-election the SNP came top with 47% of the vote – a 25.3% swing. In 2012 this was the second safest Labour ward in North Lanarkshire.

New SNP Councillor Steven Bonnar will join recently elected SNP MP Phil Boswell, who won the formerly safe Labour seat of Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill in May, in representing the area.

Commenting, Councillor Bonnar said:

“It is a privilege to be elected to represent Thorniewood – I am overwhelmed by the support I have received and will work hard to repay the community’s trust.

“Over the coming months and years I will work tirelessly for my constituents and for a fairer future for our community.”

SNP Business Convener Derek Mackay said:

“This result is further proof that voters continue to put their trust in the SNP to stand up for Scotland. That this was Labour’s second safest ward in North Lanarkshire shows that they are no longer considered advocates of social justice in Scotland and continue to pay a heavy price for their referendum alliance with the Tories and support for austerity.

“The devastating cuts announced by the Chancellor this week show that it has never been more important that our communities have strong SNP representatives to fight their corner.”

1 Comment

  1. Clearly it’s not so safe anymore. 🙂

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