2017 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar election explained

Election Name:2017 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar election
Country:Western Isles
Type:parliamentary
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2012 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar election
Previous Year:2012
Next Election:2022 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar election
Next Year:2022
Seats For Election:All 31 seats to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Majority Seats:16
Image1: Ind
Leader1:Roddie MacKay
Party1:Independent (politician)
Leaders Seat1:Steòrnabhagh a Tuath
Seats Before1:21
Seats1:23
Seat Change1: 2
Popular Vote1:9,248
Percentage1:77.5%
Swing1: 5.9%
Leader2:Donald Manford
Party2:Scottish National Party
Leaders Seat2:Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eirisgeigh agus Uibhist a Deas
Seats Before2:7
Seats2:7
Popular Vote2:2,287
Percentage2:19.2%
Swing2: 4.7%
Image3: Con
Leader3:Ranald Fraser
Party3:Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Leaders Seat3:Sgìr' Ùige agus Carlabhagh
Last Election3:N/A
Seats Before3:0
Seats3:1
Seat Change3: 1
Popular Vote3:402
Percentage3:3.4%
Swing3:New
Council Leader
Before Election:Angus Campbell
Before Party:Independent (politician)
Posttitle:Council Leader after election
After Election:Roddie MacKay
After Party:Independent (politician)

Elections to gd|'''Comhairle nan Eilean Siar'''|Council of the Western Isles were held on 4 May 2017, the same day as the 31 other Scottish local government elections. As with other Scottish council elections, it was held using single transferable vote (STV) – a form of proportional representation – in which multiple candidates are elected in each ward and voters rank candidates in order of preference.

As with previous elections in the area, independent councillors retained a large majority of the seats on the council and retained control of the administration. No women were elected for the first time in the council's history, resulting in it becoming Scotland's only local authority without any female representation.[1]

Election result

Source: [2]

Note: "Votes" are the first preference votes. The net gain/loss and percentage changes compare with the previous Scottish local elections on 3 May 2007. These figures may differ from other published sources showing gains/losses in comparison with the seats held at the dissolution of the council in 2012.

Ward results

Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eirisgeigh agus Uibhist a Deas

The SNP retained the seat they had won at the previous election and gained one seat while independent candidates Iain MacNeil and Paul Steele also gained a seat. Former independent councillors David Blaney, Donnie Steele and Labour who did not contest the election. In 2012, independent candidate Ronald MacKinnon was elected as a Labour candidate.

Beinn na Foghla agus Uibhist a Tuath

Independent councillor Uisdean Robertson retained the seat he had won at the previous election while independent candidates Iain MacLeod and Roddy MacKay gained seats from former independent councillor Neil Beaton and Labour who did not contest the election. In 2015, former independent councillor Andrew Walker was elected in a by-election.

Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas nan Loch

The SNP retained the seat they had won at the previous election while independent candidates Finlay Cunningham and Paul Finnegan gained a seat from former independent councillor Catherine MacDonald and Labour who did not contest the election. In 2012, independent candidate D. J. MacRae was elected as a Labour candidate.

Sgir' Uige agus Ceann a Tuath nan Loch

Independent councillor Norman MacDonald retained the seat he had won at the previous election while the Conservatives and independent councillor Angus Morrison gained a seat from the SNP and former independent councillor Cudig MacLeod. In 2012, former Cllr Morrison was elected in a by-election.

Sgìre an Rubha

Independent councillor Alasdair MacLeod retained the seat he had won at the previous election while independent candidates Norrie MacDonald and Finlay Stewart gained a seat from former independent councillors Zena Stewart and Norman MacLeod.

Steòrnabhagh a Deas

The SNP as well as independent councillors Charlie Nicolson and Angus McCormack retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Keith Dodson gained a seat from former independent councillor Angus Campbell.

Steòrnabhagh a Tuath

The SNP as well as independent councillors Roddie MacKay and Iain MacAulay retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidate Neil MacKay gained a seat from former independent councillor Iain MacKenzie.

Loch a Tuath

The SNP as well as independent councillor Donald Crichton retained the seats they had two at the previous election while independent candidate Calum MacLean gained a seat from former independent councillor Catriona Stewart.

An Taobh Siar agus Nis

The SNP as well as independent councillor John MacKay retained the seats they had won at the previous election while independent candidates John N. MacLeod and Kenny J. MacLeod gained a seat from former independent councillors Iain Morrison and Kenneth Murray. In 2015, Alistair MacLennan and Cllr MacLeod were elected in separate by-elections.

Changes since 2017

On 23 July 2020, Na Hearadh agus Ceann a Deas nan Loch Independent Councillor Finlay Cunningham stepped down from the Council. A by-election to replace him was held on 8 October 2020 and was won by Independent candidate Grant Fulton.[3]

Ward areas in English

Barra, Vatersay, Eriskay and South Uist

Benbecula and North Uist

Harris and South Lewis

Mid Lewis

Eye Peninsula (locally known as "Point")

Stornoway South

Stornoway North

Broad Bay

North West Lewis (West Side & Ness)

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Number of women councillors in Scotland rises but remains low . The Scotsman.
  2. Web site: Local Elections Results 2017 Eilean Siar . Local Elections Archive Project . Andrew . Teale . 1 November 2024.
  3. News: Western Isles Councillor steps down. Stornoway Gazette.