SNP win Moray by-election

The Scottish National Party last night won a Moray Council ward by-election in Speyside, which was caused by the resignation of jailed 'Independent' Council Convener Eddie Aldridge.

The victory is the SNP's first local government gain in more then two years and comes as Scotland's main opposition party is set to elect a new leader and deputy leader.

SNP standard-bearer Peter Farquharson came first in a five strong field.

Local SNP MP Angus Robertson said:

"This SNP victory is a tremendous result for Speyside candidate Peter Farquharson and for the party in Moray. Peter Farquharson stood on a manifesto putting local communities and people first and I am sure he will make an excellent councillor. Electors firmly rejected the candidate backed by the so-called 'Independent' administration who came in third, while the Tories had a derisory vote, only narrowly missing last place."

SNP leader John Swinney MSP added:

" I am delighted by this result and it is yet another welcome boost to our local government representation.

" Yesterday we were celebrating our return to the administration of Perth & Kinross Council. Today we are celebrating our first local government gain in more then two years.

“ Congratulations to Peter Farquharson and the team in Moray. The strengthened SNP council group can now get to work to offer voters in Moray a very real alternative to the discredited 'Independent' administration."