Polls open for Leith Walk by-election

The people of Leith go to the polls today to vote in the Leith Walk by-election. Polling stations opened at 7am and voters have until 10pm to cast their vote to elect a new councillor for Leith Walk.

Leith Walk

The sun shone on Leith Walk yesterday as elections officers delivered ballot boxes, ballot papers and polling stations to Pilrig St Paul’s Church Hall, one of nine polling places being used for the vote.

Today (11 April), constituents will select a new councillor for the ward, which is the most densely populated area in Scotland, with an electorate of 24,197.

Residents in Leith Walk, Broughton, Bonnington and Hillside who are aged 16 or over, are an EU citizen and have registered to vote can participate in the by-election.

Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Andrew Kerr, said on the eve of poll: “As with any electoral event in Edinburgh, our Elections team work hard to ensure it runs smoothly, which we see in action today.

“As we approach the Leith Walk By-election I would encourage residents to make a trip to their local polling place to have their say and help elect a councillor to represent the community on matters affecting the ward and the entire city.”

Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on 11 April and will be at:

Lorne Primary School
Norton Park Conference Centre
Holy Cross RC Primary School
Ebenezer United Free Church Hall
Royal Navy and Royal Marine Association Club
Broughton Nursery
Pilrig St Paul’s Church Hall
McDonald Road Library
Leith Walk Primary School

The candidates are:

Steven Alexander, UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Jack Caldwell, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Nick Gardner, Scottish Labour Party
Kevin Illingworth, Independent
David Don Jacobsen, Socialist Labour Party
Tom Laird, Scottish Libertarian Party
Dan McCroskrie, Scottish Conservative and Unionist
Rob Munn, Scottish National Party (SNP)
John Ferguson Scott, Independent
Lorna Slater, Scottish Green Party
Paul Mitchell Stirling, The For Britain Movement

The result of the by-election will be announced once the votes are counted after polls close at 10pm on Thursday, 11 April.

Find out more about the Leith Walk by-election.

High school pupils make it count for Leith Walk By-election

Local school pupils are urging residents in the area to cast their votes in the Leith Walk by-election this Thursday (11 April).

Drummond Community High

Fifth and sixth-years at Drummond Community High School, who are eligible to vote in local elections as they are aged over 16, helped demonstrate the single transferable vote (STV) system, which is used in local elections. Continue reading High school pupils make it count for Leith Walk By-election

For Britain campaign in Leith Walk by-election

The Leith Ward by-election features the first appearance in Scottish electoral politics of new political party, The For Britain Movement. For Britain was founded by former UKIP leadership candidate Anne Marie Waters in March 2018 and became active in Scotland after Waters’ speech in Glasgow in August 2018. Continue reading For Britain campaign in Leith Walk by-election

Trams, hooligans with chainsaws and snaring Shipman: Kevin launches election campaign

Kevin Illingworth is standing as an Independent candidate in next week’s Leith Walk by-election. What does he stand for? Continue reading Trams, hooligans with chainsaws and snaring Shipman: Kevin launches election campaign

Last day to register for vote in Leith Walk by-election

Edinburgh’s Returning Officer has urged people living in the Leith Walk ward to make sure they are registered to vote in the area’s forthcoming by-election. Eligible residents must register by midnight tonight to have their say in the Leith Walk By-Election on 11 April. Continue reading Last day to register for vote in Leith Walk by-election

Lib Dems select Jack Caldwell to contest Leith Walk

  • Experienced local community activist with a strong record.
  • A community councillor and volunteer local youth group leader.
  • Passionate about using positive politics to reduce inequalities.

Experienced local community activist Jack Caldwell will be the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for the upcoming City of Edinburgh Council by-election in Leith Walk (Ward 12). Continue reading Lib Dems select Jack Caldwell to contest Leith Walk