SNP ROMP HOME IN BY-ELECTION ON FIRST COUNT

SNP ROMP HOME IN BY-ELECTION ON FIRST COUNT

NO JOY FOR LABOUR AS VOTE FALLS & SNP INCREASE BY 10%

The SNP has enjoyed an overwhelming victory in the Bo'ness & Blackness by-election in Falkirk by winning the seat on the first count of votes with an overwhelming 58% of the vote whilst Labour’s vote fell back from 2007. The victory sees the election of Ann Ritchie as the new SNP councillor for the seat.

The SNP vote rose by 10% from May 2007 to 58% today whilst Labour fell back 2% to 30%. The result equals a 6% swing to the SNP.

Commenting on the victory Falkirk West SNP MSP Michael Matheson said:

"This is an outstanding result for the SNP in the Central Scotland region. For the SNP to win outright on the first preference votes with almost double the share Labour received is a remarkable result for the SNP in central Scotland.

“Labour very much thought they were in with a shout and will be very, very disappointed to have not only been defeated but to see their vote fall.

"Ann Ritchie will make an excellent councillor for Bo'ness & Blackness and her well-deserved victory reflects on how the SNP is addressing the issues that matter to people locally and nationally.

"More importantly this is a great tribute to the late Cllr Harry Constable whose sad death led to this by-election. As a long-serving councillor for the area his hard work has obviously left a strong and enduring legacy for the SNP."

Commenting on her victory Cllr Ann Ritchie said;

"It is an honour to have been elected to represent Bo'ness & Blackness on Falkirk 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 Falkirk and to fight for the interests of Bo'ness & Blackness.

"The sad passing of respected Councillor Harry Constable was a loss to Bo'ness & Blackness because he had contributed so much to the community over many years.

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



1. The results of the first preference votes were:

SNP (Ann Ritchie): 1,604 votes - 58% (+10%)
Labour: 823 votes - 30% (-2%)
Tory: 283 votes - 10% (-3%)
LibDem: 79 votes - 3% (3%)

A 6% swing from Labour to the SNP.

Since a majority of votes was acquired on the first count Cllr Ann Ritchie was elected at the first stage of counting.

2. Details on Ann Ritchie:

Anne, a married mother of two has a long record of service to the wider Bo'ness community and is:

• An Executive member of the Bo'ness Children's Fair Day Committee
• Chair of the Appeals Committee for the Fair Day
• A Church Elder and Sunday School teacher in the Carriden Parish Church
• 12 years a member of the Bo'ness Community Council
• Parent member of the Bo'ness Public School Council
• Coach to local girls youth football team