SNP delight as they take over council
The SNP clinched a perfect 10 seats in East Kilbride and Avondale as they triumphed in the South Lanarkshire Council elections.
The party fell short of a majority but will set about forming an administration.
New SNP group leader John Ross said: “We feel we have a strong mandate because of our progressive manifesto.”
It was a great day for the Tories but one of disappointment for Labour.
East Kilbride South Archie Buchanan (SNP) thanked voters for electing him once again.
He said:“I will continue to call for improved leisure facilities, improvements on the roads and better community facilities, particularly in Lindsayfield, as this is something I’ve been contacted about by residents.”
It was an SNP 1-2 with Geri Gray also returned.
“It was absolutely brilliant to standing with Archie,”she said.“He has given me so much support and advice.
“There is so much to do and I’m so looking forward to the challenge.”
Fiona Dryburgh was elected for Labour and said: “I’ve worked really hard in this campaign. I’m just glad that people have voted for me.
“Main priorities for myself are community facilities and play areas. Street lighting in some parts of East Kilbride South has been an issue that has come up.”
East Kilbride Central South John Anderson (SNP) has vowed to fight for improved social care after being elected for a third time.
He said:“The support from the electorate has been tremendous and I’m over the moon that they have stuck with me.
“One of the big issues for me is the state of the council lock-ups – the condition many of them are in is an absolute disgrace. I will also continue to fight for improved social care.”
Collette Stevenson made it a dream double for the SNP.
The United union rep said: “I’m for women’s rights and trying to promote this as much as I can. I also want to protect workers’rights.”
There were mixed emotions for Labour’s Gerry Convery as he was re-elected but Susan Kerr lost out.
He said:“I’m very sorry my colleague has lost her seat but we will carry on the good fight to serve the people we represent.”
East Kilbride Central North SNP stalwart Sheena Wardhaugh wants more power devolved to local communities after she was re-elected.
“We want to involve the community far more in decision-making and devolve more funding decisions to local communities,”she said. “Who is better placed to know what is best for them?”
SNP colleague Hugh MacDonald was shocked to learn he had been elected.
“I entered the contest more in hope than expectation,”he admitted.
“It is a boost to have someone like Sheena to show me the ropes and I will take her advice as much as I can.”
Joe Fagan (Labour) hopes his party can rebuild after a tough set of results.
He said:“I’m obviously happy to be elected but gutted that some of my colleagues haven’t been.
“If you look back at our record in the last five years, we delivered on all of our key pledges. We have been pretty clear about our priorities and they are not going to change.”
East Kilbride West It may be unlucky for some but 13 was the lucky number for Labour’s Monique McAdams.
East Kilbride West was the 13th ward declared with Ms McAdams taking a seat.
The funny thing about it is that 13 is my lucky number,” she laughed.
“I’m over the moon. We worked as a really good team and I guess it has all paid off.”
Ian Harrow (Conservatives) says he has“big shoes to fill” after taking over from former councillor Graham Simpson.
He said:“I’m going to have a hard act to follow in Graham.
“I will carry on the work he has done calling for the abolition of the dualling of Stewartfield Way and on the issue of car parking at Hairmyres Hospital.”
David Watson was returned for the SNP.
He said:“There is a lot of work to do but it is nice to be recognised for some of the work that I have done.”
East Kilbride East Jim Wardhaugh (SNP) was ecstatic after being elected for the fifth time.
He said:“We are pleased all the hard work has paid off and we have 10 councillors in East Kilbride – two more than last time round.”
SNP colleague Gladys Miller can’t wait to get stuck in.
“The support we had was fantastic,”she said.
Graham Scott (Labour) was quick to thank agent Adam Ingram and his team after he won the backing of voters.
He said:“My duty for the next five years is to give 100 per cent.”
Avondale and Stonehouse Tory Graeme Campbell says voters are now‘wise’to the SNP and prepared to give his party a chance.
He said:“I think we’ve been given a mandate to make changes in the council.
“All of our candidates have something to offer.
“We have a real opportunity to deliver on some of our priorities.”
Margaret Cooper (Labour) will battle for more support and care for the elderly.
“I can’t thank people enough for supporting me and I will continue to work hard for them,”she said.
The SNP’s Isobel Dorman also got in and said:“I’m delighted with the support I have received.”