SNP GAIN SEAT FROM LABOUR IN DUNDEE BY-ELECTION.

SNP GAIN SEAT FROM LABOUR IN DUNDEE BY-ELECTION.

PM GORDON BROWN'S "GREAT STATE" FALLING TO SNP.

The SNP has gained a seat from Labour on Dundee City council in the Maryfield by-election. Newly elected councillor Craig Melville recorded 48% of the vote in a humiliating defeat for Labour only a week after their party conference was held in the city and Gordon Brown praised the failing Labour council in his speech [4]. Today's success for newly elected Councillor Craig Melville brings the number of SNP Councillors up to 14, equal to the Labour-led administration, putting the possibility of a change in Dundee's political administration firmly on the cards. The current Labour-led administration comprises 9 Labour and 2 LibDem councillors with the support of 3 Tories – 14 in total and now equal to the SNP group. Commenting on the victory local SNP MSP Joe FitzPatrick, who represents the Dundee West constituency, said: "This is a fantastic result for the SNP – gaining the seat with a swing from Labour even on the highwater result of May 2007. It is a watershed for politics in Dundee. "Seven days after Gordon Brown came to Dundee and claimed the city was in a "great state" Labour is losing control of the city in this crucial by-election. And Liberal and Tory support is both down to embarrassing levels. “Craig Melville will make a great councillor for Maryfield and his well-deserved and hard-fought victory reflects the SNP's commitment to address the issues that matter to people in Dundee. "With the city facing new challenges following the announcements at NCR and Texol the SNP in Dundee will be working hard to keep Dundee's economy moving and bring new hope for the city." Commenting on his victory Cllr Craig Melville said; "It is an honour to have been elected to represent Maryfield on Dundee City Council. "I look forward to working with my SNP colleagues on the council, in Parliament and in the SNP Government to put forward a positive vision for Dundee and to fight for the interests of the people of Maryfield. "With Downing Street's downturn starting to bite and Labour threatening a billion pounds in cuts voters trust the SNP as the best party to see them through these times. 1. The results of the first preference votes were: SNP 1550 48% Labour 1013 31% LibDem 354 11% Tory 224 7% SSP 52 2% Independent 35 1% Independent 28 1% 2. Cllr Craig Melville was born in Dundee and lives in the Maryfield Ward. He is employed as a caseworker for Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie. He has four years’ experience of helping constituents with their problems and issues. Educated at Grove Academy and Dundee University, Craig graduated in 2004 with an MA in Politics and European Studies. He plays in a Sunday League football team. 3. The By Election in Maryfield Ward, called on the resignation of Labour Councillor Joe Morrow. Councillor Morrow’s resignation from the Council was rapidly followed by his resignation from the Labour party. The SNP has been the largest group on the council since 2003 and gained an extra two seats in May 2007. They gained a further seat in the Lochee by election in November 2007 in a decisive victory with almost 50% of the vote, giving them 13 seats on the 29 member council. The ruling Administration comprise 9 Labour and 2 Lib Dem councillors with the support of the 3 Conservatives. There is one Independent – Ian Borthwick. 4. In his speech last Friday Gordon Brown said: 'As you know I'm not long back from Washington DC and I said the people there that I couldn't stay long because I was off to Dundee,' said Brown. 'They asked, Dundee Michigan, Dundee Illinois or Dundee Oregon? 'I said the original Dundee. They asked what state was it in? It's in a great state, I replied. It's got a Labour council.'