Audrey’s pledge after Tory victory
PRI, education and transport are priorities
Audrey Coates was officially elected as a councillor last week in the Perth City South by-election.
Representing the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party, Mrs Coates was victorious in the all-female race to be voted on to Perth and Kinross Council.
This comes despite the fact the SNP candidate Pauline Leitch received the most first preference votes at the election, the result of which was revealed on Thursday last week.
Former police officer Ms Leitch won a total of 1780 first preference and 330 second preference votes, ahead of Mrs Coates on 1734 first and 588 second preference votes).
Liz Barrett for the Liberal Democrats returned 1597 first and 1142 second preference votes.
Ms Leitch was unable to cling on to her narrow lead, as the single transferable vote system saw Mrs Coates reaching the 2777 quota needed to win first – in the sixth round of voting.
The turnout was 43.1 per cent. There were 55 rejected ballot papers.
Councillor Coates also saw off competition from independent candidate Denise Baykal – who received 25 first preference votes – the Labour Party’s Tricia Duncan (314 first preference votes) and Green Party candidate Elspeth Maclachlan (102 first preference votes).
Speaking after her victory, Mrs Coates said: “The campaign has been an intensive one and it has been an absolute pleasure meeting so many residents and hearing from them their views on local issues and their hopes and aspirations for Perth.
“This is an exciting time for Perth and Kinross as we seek to promote ourselves as a forward-looking city which builds on our rich heritage.”
She continued: “I also pledge myself again to save services at PRI, for investment in our young people and their education, to protect and increase transport links in and around Perth and to protect our leisure centres from the SNP ‘swim tax’.
“I look forward to getting down to business and being a strong voice for the people of Perth City South ward.”
Audrey’s success means the Tories can retain their coalition stronghold at Perth and Kinross Council, with party numbers being brought back up to 17 to rival the SNP’s 16.
Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP for Mid-Scotland and Fife, supported Mrs Coates’ campaign throughout the by-election, and said he was pleased to see a Tory victory.
He said: “This was a difficult by-election for us given the circumstances in which it was called, and makes the Conservative victory here all the more significant.
“We came from third place in May to win the seat with a substantial increase in the Conservative vote. Audrey and her team worked incredibly hard on the campaign, and she will make an excellent councillor for Perth City South and a great addition to the Conservative team on the council.”
Mr Fraser added: “This is a vote of confidence in the new Conservative administration in Perth and Kinross - it is clear that local people do not want a return to the drift and decay we saw under the SNP. It is also a rejection of the divisive, high-tax policies of Nicola Sturgeon and her team at Holyrood and Westminster.”
Pictured, from left, are Cllr Harry Coates (Perth City North), Cllr Caroline Shiers (Blairgowrie and Glens), Cllr Callum Purves (Kinrossshire), Murdro Fraser MSP, Audrey Coates (Perth City South), Luke Graham MP, Cllr Colin Stewart (Strathmore) and Cllr Ian Campbell (Highland ward and leader of Perth and Kinross Council)