Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Labour victory in Coatbridge election
Poll decided after sixth count stage
Geraldine Woods has become Coatbridge’s newest councillor after triumphing in Thursday’s by-election in the town’s South ward.
The Labour representative won the seat left vacant by the death in August of party colleague Gordon Encinias.
She said: “I’m thrilled to be given this opportunity by our community to represent them.”
She polled 1355 first-preference votes in the first stage of counting, just 12 more than SNP rival Lesley Mitchell, but went on to reach the required 1633 quota at the sixth stage of redistribution under the single transferable vote system.
Councillor Woods said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be elected as a local champion for Coatbridge South.
“Throughout the campaign, I made it clear that I’ll always stand up for local interests.
“I will continue to work for the new Monklands hospital to stay in Monklands, oppose plans for an incinerator in Carnbroe and prevent the Europark development, which would have a devastating impact on our green belt.”
She added: “I thoroughly enjoyed this campaign and have spoken to so many people about the issues facing Coatbridge South.
“It’s clear that local people want a local voice who understands their concerns and will fight on their behalf and I’m more determined than ever to be the representative this area needs and deserves.”
Council leader Jim Logue said: “Geraldine will be a fantastic local champion for Coatbridge South and I look forward to working with her.
“Her enthusiasm, dedication and passion for her community have shone through in this campaign and delivered this excellent result. I’d like to thank all those who offered their help and support over the last few weeks.”
He went on: “Our share of the vote was up 12 per cent on the local elections last year and is testament to our administration’s work in our mission to make North Lanarkshire a terrific place to live, learn, work, invest and visit.”
Conservative candidate Ben Callaghan came third on firstpreference votes with 492, while Rosemary McGowan of the Greens polled 47, Neil Wilson of UKIP registered 14 votes and Christopher Wilson of the Liberal Democrats received 13.
Turnout was 25.9 per cent of the eligible 12,766 electorate and there were 48 rejected ballot papers during Thursday night’s count at the Time Capsule.
Councillor Woods will now join party colleague Tom Castles, the depute provost, and SNP duo Tracy Carragther and Fergus MacGregor, in representing Coatbridge South on the local authority.
Returning officer Des Murray said: “I would like to congratulate Geraldine on her election and I look forward seeing her at the next council meeting.”
I’m absolutely delighted to be elected as a local champion for Coatbridge South