Cross-section elected to serve

FORTH & ENDRICK

Ward 2

Forth and Endrick ward saw some big changes - including a first win of the day for Labour.

In 2017 the Tories won two seats in the ward - although shortly afterwards Rob Davies, who failed to be re-elected last week, became an independent.

Graham Lambie won one for the SNP but his sudden death last year sparked a byelection which saw the Tories gain another seat.

This time around new candidate Rosemary Fraser won one back for the SNP. She has worked as a chartered financial planner for over 30 years and also opened a a zero-waste refill shop in Stirling as a social enterprise in 2019.

Another new face is Paul Henke who secured one of the seats for the Conservatives. Having served in the Royal Navy, specialising in underwater bomb disposal and clandestine operations, he left the RNR with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

He built a successful financial services business before leaving to concentrate on being an author and has lived in Balfron for 24 years, including a five-year stint as chair of the community councli.

However, the big news was the win for long-time Labour stalwart Gerry Mcgarvey.

Councillor Mcgarvey has lived in Gartmore for nearly 20 years, serving as a community councillor and Community Development trustee.

Following the result, Mr Mcgarvey told the Observer: “I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to represent Labour Party interests. For me, it’s about quality of life and improving that for people locally and anything we can do in the council to advance that is to be welcomed.

“I’m the kind of person who doesn’t really do tribal politics and cooperation is my byline so that’s where I’m coming from.

“The cross-section of people that have been elected to the ward with Rosemary and Paul can only send off good signals to the voters.”