SNP VICTORY IN ANGUS WITH SENSATIONAL BY-ELECTION WIN

SNP VICTORY IN ANGUS WITH SENSATIONAL BY-ELECTION WIN

RECORD SHARE OF VOTE FOR ANY PARTY SINCE PR INTRODUCED

THE SNP have recorded a huge victory in the Angus Council Monifieth and Sidlaw ward by-election where the party increased its first preference votes by 15% to 69% - the highest share of the vote for any party in any ward since the current proportional representation voting system was introduced.

The victory saw Jean Lee elected as councillor for the seat with swings from all parties. Labour failed to field a candidate, despite leafleting the ward, after it was discovered their candidate didn’t qualify for the by-election.

Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie whose constituency includes a sizeable portion of the Angus Council ward of Monifieth & Sidlaw, today congratulated new SNP Councillor Jean Lee for her stunning by-election win.

Stewart Hosie said:

"Jean Lee will be a first-class councillor for Monifieth & Sidlaw and I congratulate her on her tremendous victory, taking over 69% of the first preference votes. That is the highest vote share for any party in any local government election since PR was introduced.

“The SNP are the party of government in Scotland, and our victory is a positive endorsement of the SNP and a positive vote for our record of policy delivery. In by-elections, the European elections, and opinion polls for Holyrood and Westminster, the SNP have the support of the people of Scotland.

"The SNP Government are focussed on helping families and business during tough times – the Economic Recovery Programme is supporting 15,000 jobs, and we are freezing the Council Tax freeze, slashing business rates, introducing free prescriptions, and delivering 1,000 additional police officers in Scotland’s communities. These are the SNP policies that are winning elections across Scotland – and in spectacular style in Monifieth & Sidlaw.”

Angus MP Mike Weir added:

“To have secured an even greater share of the vote since 2007 – which was a high watermark year for the SNP – is a stunning achievement.

"In Jean Lee the people of Monifieth & Sidlaw have elected an excellent and dedicated local campaigner who will represent their interests in the council.

”I look forward to working with her and Councillor Rob Murray on behalf of constituents of Monifieth and the Sidlaw villages."

Commenting on her victory Cllr Jean Lee said;

"It is an honour to have been elected to represent Monifieth & Sidlaw on Angus 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 Monifieth & Sidlaw, and to fight for the interests of the area.

"The sad death of well-known local councillor Frank Ellis was a loss to Monifieth & Sidlaw because he had contributed much to the area.

"I will work hard to ensure his legacy continues to show that it is the SNP which represents the best interests of all the people of Monifieth & Sidlaw."