Tories third while Lib Dems lose deposits

The Conservatives came third in both Airdrie and Coatbridge, polling a quarter of the vote in the former.

Jennifer Donnellan’s 8813 votes were two-and-a-half times the number recorded by the party in 2015, while Coatbridge candidate Robyn Halbert took 7318 votes, or 16.2 per cent of the constituency poll.

Ms Halbert told the Advertiser:“We had a noticeably good response. People seemed genuinely open to voting Conservative and were receptive to what we’re saying.

“I know that the Conservative councillors who’ve been elected have been working really hard and will continue to do so.”

The Liberal Democrats once again lost their £500 deposits in both Monklands seats but achieved their stated aim of increasing the size and share of their vote compared to the 2015 Westminster poll.

Ewan McRobert’s 802 Airdrie & Shotts votes amounted to a 2.1 per cent share and David Bennie’s 922 in Coatbridge equalled 2 per cent, compared to 1.5 and 1.1 respectively last time.

Mr McRobert said:“I feel very strongly that Brexit is a bad idea. This felt like an important time and I wanted to put myself forward and fight for that.

“The SNP have a poor record. Schools and healthcare in Scotland are failing quite badly and they’ve been distracted with independence.”

Mr Bennie added:“People are looking for different options and our message has been a solid foundation and giving them the opportunity to vote for something which can be delivered.”