SNP Jim Lynch remains – Mull elects two islanders

Two SNP candidates, a Conservative and an independent have been elected to serve Oban South and the Isles in Argyll and Bute Council.

Incumbent SNP councillor Jim Lynch, who was first elected in 2017, won re-election in the poll on Thursday May 5, while party colleague Willie Hume of Mull was also elected.

Conservative Amanda Hampsey won a place on the council, while Independent Andrew Kain from Mull completed the quartet of councillors elected to the ward.

The counting of votes for the ward went to a 10th stage, with Scottish Greens candidate Phyl Meyer polling more first preference votes than Councillor Kain.

Incumbent councillor Sir Jamie McGrigor, standing as an independent candidate, was not re-elected.

Councillor Lynch said: ‘One thing I think we have to do is move on from the pandemic. We have to involve communities in everything we do. I think it is time for a change.’

Councillor Hume said: ‘I really didn’t think I would be here...I am very humbled to be a councillor for Argyll and Bute and will do my utmost.’

Councillor Hampsey said: ‘Thanks to my party for the support in this process and to the people for trusting in me to be a voice for them.’

Councillor Kain did not speak at the count.

The result, with first preference votes listed, was:

▎ Gopi Ageer (Scottish Labour) – 169

▎ Henry Boswell (Scottish Liberal Democrats) – 188

▎ Donnie Campbell (Independent) – 235

▎ Amanda Hampsey (Scottish Conservatives) – 452

▎ Willie Hume (SNP) – 615

▎ Andrew Kain (Independent) – 295

▎ Colin Kennedy (Independent) – 256

▎ Jim Lynch (SNP) – 773

▎ Sir Jamie McGrigor (Independent) – 179

▎ Phyl Meyer (Scottish Greens) – 353

▎ John Watson (Independent) – 118