By-election to take place in Partick

University of Glasgow student Nicholas Budgen is among the five candidates contesting the council seat.

A by-election has been triggered in Partick following the death of a local councillor. In September, the SNP’s longest-serving Glasgow councillor, Kenny McLean, passed away after an illness. This has left a vacancy in the Partick East/Kelvindale ward he served. The ward stretches from parts of Partick over Hyndland to Kelvindale. Five candidates have been confirmed for the election, set to take place on Thursday 5 December.

The SNP candidate Cylina Porch told Hillhead Review: “Being a councillor isn’t just reporting potholes or missed refuse collections, but being a voice for the constituents who live in your ward, and that voted for you. Kenny worked tirelessly to ensure that there was more social housing in this area, and that the current housing stock was up to standard. I hope to continue his legacy.”

The Labour Party’s candidate is James Adams, who also spoke to Hillhead Review, saying: “Residents and young people across Partick East & Kelvindale are calling for real change to build a brighter future for our city…Neighbourhoods should be places where everyone feels safe, supported, and connected. This means well-lit and clean streets, sustainable public transport that gets young people to work or study on time, and schools and public spaces that foster community growth and enable future generations to thrive.

Three other council by-elections were held in Glasgow on 21 November, all of which were won by Labour

Nicholas Budgen is the candidate for the Liberal Democrats. He is a University of Glasgow student and President of the UofG Liberals. Speaking to Hillhead Review, he laid out his priorities: “Having studied at the University of Glasgow for the last two years, I've seen first hand the extent of Glasgow's housing crisis- an issue that affects families living in inadequate housing as much as it affects students struggling to find somewhere to live near Campus.

“As Councillor, I will be vocal in holding the Council accountable for the delivery of more affordable housing, whilst maintaining robust protections for private renters.”

The Scottish Greens have selected Heloise Le Moal as their candidate, who told Hillhead Review the following: “If elected I would work with our existing 11 Green councillors and the community to help improve our litter system, address soaring rents and shameful homelessness rates, and make our buses more reliable, green, and affordable.”

The Scottish Conservatives have selected Fatem Hameed as their candidate, who previously stood in the Hillhead by-election, and before that she represented Labour in two general elections. The Hillhead Review approached her for a comment.

This by-election is expected to have a low turnout, however. Three other council by-elections were held in Glasgow on 21 November, all of which were won by Labour. They had an average voter turnout of 15 percent, with just 19.3 percent in Maryhill.

The by-election will take place on Thursday 5 December.

Published 27 November 2024