Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Seat returns to SNP
Coatbridge has a new MP for the third time in four years – with Steven Bonnar of the SNP winning back the see-saw seat from incumbent Hugh Gaffney.
Mr Bonnar’s 22,680 votes gave him a majority of 5624 and 47 per cent of the ballots polled; and he said: “The enormity of what lies ahead is not lost on me.”
He told the Advertiser: “I’m absolutely honoured to be selected. People have voted for an MP who will put Scotland front and centre.
“I think we had a strong message – Scotland’s wishes and Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill’s wishes in terms of our place in the EU, our protections and freedoms, are at risk.
“That was the message that we took onto the doors and I believe that’s why people came out.
“I’ll be brushing up on my Section 30 law [ relating to a future independence referendum] to ensure that Scotland has its right to determine its own future.”
He added of the local issues: “The things that are most pertinent are the opportunity to have positive destinations for our young people, to make sure that jobs, higher education and opportunities exist for them; and to make sure that we really look at the universal credit system and the way benefits are impacting on the most vulnerable within our society.
“On the issues around Monklands Hospital, there’s a cast- iron commitment from the government there to a new, bespoke hospital for Monklands and that’s what I’ll be looking to deliver for the people that require it.
“The whole of Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill need and want a brand- new hospital and the commitment is there from NHS Lanarkshire and the Scottish Government to deliver that.”
On the site, he added: “It’s a very sensitive issue and I don’t think it’s one that should be politicised; the consultation process has just closed and I’ll listen to the views of all constituents.”
Coatbridge’s new MP becomes the latest new face in a constituency which was previously represented by Tom Clarke for 33 years and was once the safest seat in Britain.
He will also be resigning as a councillor for the Thorniewood ward in Bellshill.
Mr Bonnar said: “It’s not my intention to hold two seats, because I don’t think I’d be able to fully commit to either and I want to give this role my absolute best.
“I’ll speak to the leaders of the political groups at the council, take the views of my local ward and we’ll come to a suitable time for a by-election and set a date for me to vacate my seat.”
He added: “This is a new challenge for me; I’ll give this role as much as I’ve given being a councillor, and I’m absolutely honoured to have been chosen.”