AN independent councillor has been elected for the South Kintyre ward following a by-election on Thursday.
Jennifer Kelly, who replaces her father Donald after his resignation from Argyll and Bute Council in August, was up against four other candidates – Joe Cunningham (Scottish Conservative and Unionist), Kenny MacKenzie (Scottish Liberal Democrats), Alan McManus (For Future’s Sake – Freedom Alliance) and John Richardson (Scottish National Party).
From an electorate of 5088, just 1592 ballot papers were received giving a percentage turnout of 31.3%.
The South Kintyre Ward includes the areas surrounding Peninver, Drumlemble, Southend and Campbeltown.
The number of first preference votes for each of the candidates was:
- Joe CUNNINGHAM, Scottish Conservative and Unionist - 208
- Jennifer Mary KELLY, Independent - 913
- Kenny MACKENZIE, Scottish Liberal Democrats - 183
- Alan MCMANUS, For Future's Sake - Freedom Alliance - 7
- John RICHARDSON, Scottish National Party (SNP) - 271
At the previous council election in the ward, the SNP secured 32.8% of first preference votes. This week, that figure dropped to 17%.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives saw their percentage of first preference votes fall from 22.5% to 13%.
