SNP win council election as Tories surge past Labour into second place

05/05/2017
michael

Labour falls back across Scotland as SNP become biggest party in around half of councils

THE SNP has become the biggest party in Scotland’s largest cities as the country’s councils were re-elected for the first time in five years. 

Wins in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee signalled the party’s continued dominance of national politics – although support was not high enough to gain majority control.

The result represented a dramatic swing since 2012, when Labour were the largest party in 16 of Scotland’s 32 councils. 

Labour are only the single largest party in three councils with the SNP the largest in 19. The Conservatives, who increased vote share across the country, became the biggest party in six councils.

Nicola Sturgeon and Ruth Davidson both claimed success in the election, while Labour leader Kezia Dugdale admitted the results were disappointing for her party. 

The Scottish Greens made some gains on its 2012 performance. 

The largest party on each council is listed below. 

Aberdeen City – SNP

Aberdeenshire – SNP

Angus – SNP-Independent (tie)

Argyll & Bute – SNP

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar – Independent 

Clackmannanshire – SNP

Dumfries and Galloway – Tory

Dundee – SNP

East Ayrshire – SNP

East Dunbartonshire – SNP

Edinburgh – SNP

East Lothian – Labour

East Renfrewshire – SNP

Falkirk – SNP

Fife – SNP

Glasgow – SNP

Highland – Independent

Inverclyde – Labour

Midlothian – Labour

Moray – SNP

North Ayrshire – 1 SNP-Labour tied

North Lanarkshire – SNP

Orkney – Independent

Perth & Kinross – Tory

Renfrewshire – SNP

Scottish Borders – Tory

Shetland Islands – Independent

South Ayrshire – Tory

South Lanarkshire – SNP

Stirling – SNP-Tory tied

West Dunbartonshire – SNP

West Lothian – SNP

Picture: CommonSpace