Borders politicians have commented after the results of the local elections in the Scottish Borders.
The results for each party are as follows:
Scottish Conservatives: 14 seats
Scottish National Party: 9 seats
Independents: 7 seats
Liberal Democrats: 3 seats
Greens: 1 seat
After the election count, Cllr Euan Jardine was elected as leader of the Scottish Conservative group.
John Lamont MP said:
“I am very grateful to voters across the Borders who have elected Scottish Conservative councillors in every single ward across the Borders – we are the only party to achieve this feat.
“This is a real show of support for councillors to focus on local issues that matter to local people, rather than diverting attention towards an independence referendum.
“Nevertheless, I know that many voters decided to stay at home on this occasion and I can fully understand why. We must work incredibly hard to secure their support again in the future.
“For now, I am looking forward to working with all councillors, regardless of party, to improve our area. There is lots of work to be done.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“Once again the people of the Borders put their trust in strong local candidates and elected a Conservative councillor in every Borders ward.
“It was refreshing to see so many women standing for office, and I am delighted voters elected 5 Scottish Conservative women, increasing the overall total.
“As Councillor Julie Pirone mentioned in her acceptance speech, having increased female representation is more representative and it is also encouragement for women and girls to pursue a career in politics.
“We have seen that right across Scotland, separatism and the independence agenda followed by the SNP has been resoundingly rejected by the majority of the electorate.
“More people across Scotland voted for more Unionist parties than Nationalist ones.
“It just shows that in the Borders, that the Scottish Conservatives fought a local campaign, putting Borderers first, and we won”.
Cllr Euan Jardine, leader of Borders Conservative group, added:
“We ran a campaign on local issues, and the fact we returned fourteen councillors shows that local priorities mattered most to the people of the Scottish Borders at this election.
“As a group, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and work hard on taking action on the local issues in our wards. Whilst also ensuring the essential services run smoothly and improve where they can.
“We have returned experienced councillors mixed with new councillors that have a fresh and enthusiastic outlook on matters; the Scottish Conservatives are ready to deliver for the people of the Scottish Borders.”
