Labour win West Lothian council by-election to take Whitburn ward seat

Labour Triumphs in West Lothian By-Election, Securing Whitburn Ward Seat

Labour has emerged victorious in the by-election for the Whitburn ward in West Lothian, claiming the seat left vacant by newly elected MP Kirsteen Sullivan. The successful candidate, David Russell, will now join Labour councillor George Paul after narrowly defeating SNP contender Aileen Brown in Thursday’s hotly contested election in Whitburn and Blackburn.

With this win, Labour now boasts 12 councillors on the West Lothian Council, while the SNP holds 15 seats, Conservatives have four, there is one Lib Dem member, and one Independent councillor.

Lawrence Fitzpatrick, the leader of the Labour group on the council and the council leader, expressed his delight with Russell’s election, stating, “He will be a first-class councillor for the ward, possessing essential attributes of energy, integrity, and commitment. I am certain he will excel as a community representative.”

The by-election yielded disappointing results for former Bathgate councillor Charles Kennedy, who aspired to return to the chambers as a representative for the Conservatives. The party lagged behind Reform’s candidate David McLennan and local community council chairman Tam Lynch, who garnered 421 votes standing as an independent.

The full breakdown of votes is as follows:
– Aileen Brown (SNP) – 1,022
– Douglas Butler (Scottish Liberal Democrats) – 97
– Cameron Glasgow (Scottish Greens) – 92
– Charles Kennedy (Scottish Conservative & Unionist) – 239
– Thomas Lynch (Independent) – 421
– David McLennan (Reform UK) – 578
– David Russell (Scottish Labour Party) – 1,093

David Russell clinched victory as councillor for the ward at stage 7 of the election process.

In conclusion, the by-election results in West Lothian underscore the ongoing political landscape in the region, with Labour maintaining a strong presence despite fierce competition from other parties. The outcome reflects the dynamic nature of local politics and sets the tone for future developments within the council.

Insights:
The by-election in West Lothian showcases the enduring rivalry between Labour and the SNP in the region. It also highlights the significance of local politics in shaping communities and decision-making processes. It is essential for voters to engage in such elections to ensure their voices are heard and represented effectively within the local government.