SNP OVERTAKE LABOUR IN INVERCLYDE BY-ELECTION WITH 13% SWING.

SNP OVERTAKE LABOUR IN INVERCLYDE BY-ELECTION WITH 13% SWING.

RESULT A POSITIVE VOTE FOR SNP DELIVERY.

HUMILIATION AS LABOUR KNOCKED OUT BY LIBDEMS.

The SNP has enjoyed a massive 13% swing to the party from Labour in the Inverclyde South West by-election – less that two weeks after the SNP won the area in the popular vote for the European elections – with the election of Innes Nelson as the new SNP councillor for the seat.

The SNP vote rose from 23% in May 2007 to 42% today – a 19% increase in the SNP vote whilst Labour fell back to 23% from 30%.

Commenting on the victory West of Scotland SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, who lives in Inverclyde, said:

"This is an outstanding result for the SNP in an area that used to be seen as one of Labour's strongholds. Along with our victory in Inverclyde at the European elections only two weeks ago this is a further devastating defeat for Labour.

“To have secured an even greater share of the vote since 2007 – which was a high watermark year for the SNP – is spectacular. So too is the collapse of the Labour vote and the humiliation of being knocked out by the LibDems.

“The SNP are the party of government in Scotland, and our victory in Inverclyde and in the European election is a positive endorsement of the SNP and a positive vote for our record in government.

"With the SNP Government focussed on supporting jobs and communities through the recession voters are having serious doubts about Labour's claims to represent ordinary people and trust the SNP as the best party to see them through these times.

"Innes Nelson will make an excellent councillor for Inverclyde South West and his well-deserved victory reflects on how the SNP is addressing the issues that matter to people locally.

"More importantly this is a great tribute to the late Cllr Ken Ferguson whose untimely death led to this by-election. As sole SNP councillor for the multi-member ward of Inverclyde South West his hard work has left a strong legacy for the SNP."

Commenting on his victory Cllr Innes Nelson said;

"It is an honour to have been elected to represent Inverclyde South West on Inverclyde 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 Inverclyde and to fight for the interests of Inverclyde South West.

"The sad death of respected SNP Councillor Ken Ferguson was a loss to Inverclyde South West because he had contributed much to the community over many years.

"I will work hard to ensure Ken’s legacy continues to show that it is the SNP which represents the best interests of ordinary people."

ENDS

Notes:

1. The results of the first preference votes in the by-election with the change in support since 2007 is:

PARTY	VOTES	%	Change from ‘07
SNP	919	42.41%	(+19.22%)
Labour	490	22.61%	(-7.15%)
LibDem	454	20.95%	(-2.94%)
Tory	171	7.89%	(3.59%)
UKIP	49	2.26%	(-12.72%)
Ind	67	3.09%
FSP	17	0.78%

2. After Labour were eliminated in the transfer of votes the final result was:

SNP	1087	64%
LibDem	620	36%

3. In the Inverclyde Council area in the European elections the SNP won the popular vote – the first time that this had ever occurred:

PARTY	VOTES	%
SNP	4,669	28.4%
Lab	4,505	27.4%
Tory	2,295	14.0%
LibDem	1,523	9.3%
Green	857	5.2%
UKIP	801	4.9%
Other	1,800	10.9%