Tag: Colinton Fairmilehead by-election

City council by-election details

Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election candidates announced

The candidates standing in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead Council by-election have been confirmed.

Twelve candidates have been nominated to stand in the by-election, which is due to take place on 14 November.

The candidates standing for election are –

  • Bonnie Prince Bob, Independent
  • Mev Brown, Independent
  • Mairianna Clyde, Scottish National Party (SNP)
  • Neil Cuthbert, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
  • Sheila Gilmore, Scottish Labour Party
  • David Ian Henry, Independent
  • Tam Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party
  • Grant Lidster, Reform UK
  • Richard Crewe Lucas, Scottish Family Party
  • Daniel Aleksanteri Milligan, Scottish Greens
  • Louise Spence, Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • Marc Wilkinson, Independent

Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said: “With nominations now closed and a month remaining, residents of the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward can start considering who they will vote for in the upcoming by-election. It’s important to make sure you’re registered to vote by 29 October in order to participate.

“Councillors play a vital role in our democratic system, making key decisions that impact our city. I encourage as many residents as possible to take part in this by-election.”

“The election will use the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, where voters rank candidates in order of preference by assigning numbers rather than just marking a single cross. You can choose to vote for as many or as few candidates as you wish.”

Poll cards will be delivered to registered voters in the area from today (Tuesday 15 October) including further information on when and where to vote.

If you live in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward you must register to vote by 29 October and anyone wishing to vote by post can sign up for a new postal vote up until 30 October. 

You can also apply for someone to vote on your behalf via proxy voting, with the deadline for new proxy vote applications on 6 November (for registered voters). 

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and will be at:

  • Charwood
  • Fairmilehead Parish Church Hall
  • St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall
  • Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre
  • Pentland Community Centre

The electronic election count will take place on Friday 15 November starting at 9:30am. 

The by-election follows the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur, following his election as the MP for Edinburgh South West on 4 July 2024.

Find out more about the Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election on the Council website.

Notice of Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election published

Nominationshave opened for candidates to stand in the forthcoming Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election. The by-election is being held following the resignation of Councillor and former Transport and Environment Convener Scott Arthur. 

On Thursday 14 November, Colinton/Fairmilehead residents will go to the polls to select a new councillor to represent the ward which also includes Bonaly, Dreghorn, Oxgangs and Swanston and has a current electorate of 19,226.

A Formal Notice of Election was published on Friday explaining how to stand as a candidate, who is eligible to vote and how to make sure you are on the Electoral Register. 

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.

In order to stand as a candidate, individuals must submit nomination papers, which are available on the Council website, by 4pm on Monday 14 October.

Chris Highcock, Depute Returning Officer for Edinburgh, said: “The Notice of Election signifies the official start of the election period for Colinton / Fairmilehead. I would urge all citizens in the ward to make sure they are registered and have their details or preference of how they would like to vote up to date in plenty of time.

“Anyone unsure about how to register, where to vote or how to vote by post can find more information on the Council website.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 14 November. Details of where these are will be announced shortly.

People aged 16 and over and all those legally resident – including foreign citizens – can register to vote in this election.

Find out more about elections in Edinburgh and how to register to vote on the Council website.

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday 29 October 2024, to apply for a postal vote the deadline is Wednesday 30 October 2024, and for a proxy vote the deadline is Wednesday 6 November 2024.