Friday 4 February 2011

Surprise in Scotland as SNP lose seat to Independent

Following on from Labour's impressive gain in Gloucestershire there was a shock result in Scotland. On paper the Carnoustie & District ward, Angus Council looked like an easy hold for the Scottish National Party but Independent Brain Boyd came out on top in a narrow AV election. The SNP candidate Ed Oswald received the most first preferences but Boyd turned his 37 vote deficit into a 28 vote lead. The Independent attracted a lot more transfers than Oswald from the Liberal Democrat and Conservative candidates to lead before the final round. Boyd's advantage held up after the third placed Labour candidate was eliminated. He becomes the seventh Independent Councillor in Angus, of which five are currently in the coalition running the Council. Boyd's comments following his victory may indicate he will work with the SNP in Opposition. The "Angus Alliance" has a majority of 1, with full elections just over a year away.

Angus Council

CON

IG

LD

LAB

SNP

IND

5

-

5

-

3

-

2

-

12

-1

2

+1

  

Stage

Candidate

1stP%

1

2

3

4

Ed Oswald

41.5%

1289

1302

14%

1346

19%

1426

28%

Brian Boyd (E)

40.3%

1252

1290

41%

1370

34%

1454

29%

Ron Thoms

8.3%

258

266

9%

287

9%

  

  

Eddie Wilmott

7%

217

234

18%

  

  

  

  

Charles Goodall

3%

93

  

  

  

  

  

  

No-Transfer

0

17

18%

106

38%

229

43%

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