Victor takes seat of late sister

By Eric Nicolson

THE SNP’S Kate Howie secured a poignant Perth and Kinross Council Highland ward by-election victory yesterday, and dedicated the emphatic triumph to the late sister she replaces.

Ms Howie received twice as many votes (1891) as her nearest rival, Tory candidate Graham Rees (940).

Andrew Kenton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats got 229 votes and Scottish Labour’s Anne Chatt, 97.

Out of an eligible electorate of 7282 people, 3178 votes were counted, a 43.6% poll. A total of 21 invalid votes were cast.

Ms Howie’s percentage of the vote was nearly 60%.

The by-election took place after the death of Ms Howie’s sister, Eleanor Howie.

She said, “I am absolutely thrilled to win this election by such a convincing majority and I look forward to serving the people of the Highland ward in Perth and Kinross Council.

“This victory is for my late sister Eleanor Howie, who served the ward with such distinction and whose hard work was recognised in the scale of this victory.

“I want to thank all the people of the Highland ward for putting their trust in me and I will now do my best to serve them. I also want to thank all those who worked so hard to secure this great victory.”

North Tayside MSP John Swinney was keen to link the Highland Perthshire vote to the national political picture.

He said, “This is a triumph for the SNP and gives the people’s verdict on the performance of the SNP in Government.

“Across Scotland the SNP are winning the support of the public, whilst Labour are falling further and further behind.

“The voters have made their decision. There is growing support for the SNP, for the Scottish budget and for the freedom we are giving to local authorities, not to mention the introduction of a much-needed council tax freeze.

“Today’s victory is another excellent day for the SNP. Kate Howie’s boundless energy and enthusiasm will make her a formidable councillor for all in the Highland ward.”

Perth and North Perthshire MP, Pete Wishart, added, “Today’s vote is a total humiliation for Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Labour failed to make it past 100 votes.

“Labour in Scotland is failing. Today’s result leaves Wendy Alexander’s attacks on the SNP in complete tartan tatters. She obviously has no inkling of the priorities of the people of Scotland.

“With the introduction of a council tax freeze, the abolition of prescription charges, the scrapping of tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges, a reduction in business rates and the delivery of more police in our communities the SNP is working hard to deliver a better future for Scotland, one which is clearly winning the support of people across Scotland.”

Perth and Kinross provost John Hulbert said, “As provost I would like to welcome Kate Howie on to Perth and Kinross Council. I’m sure she will find it a huge honour to serve her local community, and I look forward to working with her for the benefit of Perth and Kinross.”