Council big hitters keep seats

STIRLING WEST

Two big hitters retained their seats in Stirling West, which is represented by three councillors.

Conservative councillor and Tory group leader Neil Benny and council leader, the SNP’S Scott Farmer, were vying to keep their seats.

The pair, leaders of their respective groups, have a long history of debate across the council chamber.

Councillor Farmer was Stirling Council’s first SNP member but over the years his group has grown. This time round he will lead an eightstrong group.

After the overall result was revealed, Mr Farmer said his party’s success was reflective of hostile attitudes towards Prime

Minister Boris Johnson due to the recent‘partygate’affair.

Mr Farmer said:“it’s a very satisfying feeling to be elected again to serve the people of Stirling West and to put forward the positive version of the SNP for the people of Stirling.

“The result overall sends a clear message to Boris Johnson that his performance and behaviour has been totally unacceptable and has besmirched politics right across the spectrum.

“We will be concentrating on dealing with the Tory cost of living crisis, assisting those most in need and most vulnerable across our society.

He added:“that will be our top priority and we will be laser focused on that and getting back to post-pandemic recovery as quickly as possible.”

Meanwhile, Mr Benny tweeted his thanks to the locals who gave him their support, saying:“re-elected as the councillor for Stirling West yesterday.

“Thank you everyone for your votes, your support and your confidence in me. Five more years.”

Meanwhile, Labour also successfully held on to its seat in the ward - but it will be a new face filling some big shoes.

Jen Preston, a public sector worker and Unison member, is the ward’s newest representative after Christine Simpson - Stirling’s Provost in the last council - had chosen not to stand this time round.