Scot Lib Dems spring surprise on Labour in key by-election

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton has today said a shock by-election victory for his party in the Colinton & Fairmilehead by-election is evidence that his party can win anywhere no matter the opposition.

Scottish Liberal Democrat Louise Spence won the by-election from fourth place with 2,683 votes, comfortably defeating the Scottish Conservatives (1,454), Scottish Labour (1,441), and the SNP (800) as well as six others. The by-election was held after Scottish Labour’s Cllr Scott Arthur was elected to Parliament.

Speaking after the result, Mr Cole-Hamilton said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped on this campaign and congratulate Louise Spence on her victory. Louise will be a local champion for Colinton & Fairmilehead.

“This win is a huge statement of ambition from the Scottish Liberal Democrats. We spent this campaign talking about the things that matter most to people from local healthcare to the state of our city and voters have responded in droves.

“The future of Scotland’s capital and our country is up for grabs.

“At the general election we showed that we can defeat the SNP in vast swathes of Scotland.

“In recent weeks we have triumphed in the Highlands, defeated the Conservatives in their Perthshire heartlands and now taken the former seat of a Labour MP in dramatic fashion.

“We can win anywhere no matter the opposition.”

Councillor Louise Spence said:

“I am delighted to have been elected as the new councillor for Colinton & Fairmilehead.

“I’d like to thank all of the activists who came out to help my campaign and all the voters who put their trust in me.”

Edinburgh Liberal Democrat council group leader Councillor Kevin Lang said:

“This is a sensational and historic victory for the Scottish Liberal Democrats in Edinburgh. Until today, we had never won in this ward.

“After doubling our council seats in 2022 and two by-election gains, one from the SNP and one from Labour, it’s clear people across the Capital are turning to the Liberal Democrats to stand up for them and their local community."