Labour grab victory in Ballochmyle by-election

Dec 19 2008

LABOUR secured almost 50 per cent of the vote to claim victory in the Ballochmyle by-election.

David Shaw was declared the winner after a closely fought contest with the SNP for the East Ayrshire Council ward.

However, just hours after congratulating his Labour colleague, MP Des Browne demanded an apology from his nationalist rivals claiming that they issued misleading campaign leaflets.

He said: “The SNP leader in East Ayrshire, Douglas Reid, needs to apologise to the people of Ballochmyle.

“He must take responsibility for their candidate’s leaflets which claimed that the Mauchline bypass and Mauchline train station were SNP priorities.

“This was a complete con.

“The reality is that the minority SNP administration published their transport priorities for the next 20 years and they have dropped both of these plans.

“They basically tried to get elected by misleading local residents.”

But Councillor Reid hit back: “Senior officers of the council have been in detailed discussions with developers regarding a key developer contribution funded infrastructure project, which includes the by-pass and rail halt.

“Our structure plan identifies Mauchline as a strategic expansion location.

“To allow for a development of this scale a by-pass is required and the council will continue to work closely with the main developer for the area to ensure that this infrastructure is put in place timeously.”

But the by-election was called following the resignation of former Labour group leader Eric Jackson earlier this year.

Labour polled 1598 votes, SNP 1129, Conservative 273, Solidarity 243 and Lib Dems 93.

Mr Shaw said: “I am delighted by the people of the Ballochmyle ward to represent them on the council.

“I will fight hard for local people because I know residents want someone to stand up for fairness and for local services.

“I will never take any voter for granted and promise to work hard.”

And Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Cathy Jamieson says she’s looking forward to working with Mr Shaw.

She added: “We fought an honest campaign with a strong local candidate. Now the hard work begins for David.”

But SNP MSP Adam Ingram pointed out: “I am obviously disappointed for Roseanne that she did not get elected but to record a four per cent swing from Labour to the SNP and cut the Labour majority from over 13000 a year ago to just 469 now was a great effort.”