SNP retain council seat in by-election

The SNP’s Ethan Young has won the vacant council seat in the Craigentinny Duddingston ward.

The by-election was brought about by the resignation of SNP councillor Ian Campbell, who resigned for health reasons back in February.

The SNP candidate was well ahead in First Preference votes and was elected at Stage Six:

ETHAN YOUNG (SNP) … 2920

Eleanor Price (Scottish Conservatives ) … 1420

Margaret Graham (Scottish Labour) … 1205

Ben Parker (Scottish Greens) … 1185

Elaine Ford (Scottish Lib Dems) … 631

Andrew McDonald (Independent) … 93

Tam Laird (Scottish Libertarian Party) … 42

The result makes no difference to the running of the city, where the SNP remains in charge with the support of Labour in the ‘Capital Coalition’.

Despite efforts to encourage people to vote, the turnout was just 31.6% – fewer than one in three voters cast their ballot.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Andrew Kerr, said: I’d like to thank all those who took part in the by-election, despite the challenging circumstances we face. It’s been a difficult year but local democracy is still extremely important, so I’m pleased to welcome Ethan Young, who will help represent the community as we work to emerge from the crisis, and on a range of other issues affecting the ward and city.

“I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and planning that has gone into staging this election. I’ve heard from many constituents who have praised the safe, physically distanced voting process, which is with thanks to our Elections Team, who have spent months preparing for the event.

Find further details of the results on the Council website.