New Labour councillor 'very surprised' at wining by-election

New Arran councillor Charles Currie rolled up his sleeves and got straight to work on tackling major issues, including ferries and housing after securing a decisive victory in Friday's Arran by-election with 748 first preference votes.

And he vowed to take a cross-party approach after comfortably taking the seat held by Tory Timothy Billings, who retired from the post in July.

The new Labour member, the first from his party to serve the solely island seat said: “I am here to serve all the people of Arran and not just Labour supporters.

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“There are very important issues to tackle including the ferry situation, the housing situation and ensuring children in Arran have a future on Arran.

"I will work tirelessly with my colleagues in NAC from all parties."

However he did admit being surprised about the outcome and added: “I am very surprised at this result to be honest. I was still thinking it was a very close-run thing. It was a well-fought election and there was no nastiness."

He added: "My eyes have been opened at how professional the Labour Party are in the way the conduct themselves towards elections. I am really impressed at the work that has been put in by the North Ayrshire Labour Group. I hope to work across the party boundaries.

"A lot of people on the doorsteps are unhappy at things that are happening on and off the island.”

Jim McMaster, the Independent looked encouraged with the outcome, which saw him finish second on 402 following his impressive showing in the hustings last Tuesday.

He said: “I would like to thank the presiding officer and everyone who helped me and it was a very clean and enjoyable campaign.”

Neil Wilkinson, the Green candidate who came in third on 402 said: “Thanks to all the people who voted for Green Party who helped me with what was a great campaign which was great fun. I am so glad we no longer have a Conservative and Unionist Party and we hope to work on campaigns in which we have common interests with the Labour Party."

Tory candidate Mackenzie Smith was unable to attend the poll owing to work commitments and polled just 90 votes in fourth place.

North Ayrshire Council Conservative Leader Cameron Inglis said: “Expectations were high after Timothy Billings, who was a very good councillor.

"In the current climate it can be hard to get a candidate but Mackenzie ran a good campaign but some factors went against the candidate. We will keep holding the SNP and Labour to account in the Chamber as we have in the last two-and-a-half years."

Reform UK candidate Carole Thomson who was second last said: “I am very pleased to see the Reform Party is growing on this little island. It was an interesting campaign and we will be challenging other parties in the next election."

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