Conservative's Sheila Powell named as new councillor for Mid Formartine
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Conservative and Unionist party candidate Sheila Powell has been elected as the new Aberdeenshire councillor for Mid Formartine (Ward 8).
With voting having taken place across the ward on Thursday, the appointment was confirmed following the electronic counting of votes at Inverurie Town Hall this morning.
A total of 3257 votes were cast, representing a turnout of 27.9 per cent of the electorate.
Councillor Powell’s election follows the resignation of former councillor Karen Adam in May after her election to Holyrood as MSP for Banff and Buchan Coast and brings Aberdeenshire Council back to a full complement of 70 elected members.
The count began at 10am, with results being declared by returning officer and chief executive of Aberdeenshire Council Jim Savege at 11.15am as follows-
Jeff Goodhall, Scottish Liberal Democrats 412.
Peter Kennedy, Scottish Green Party 144.
Jenny Nicol, Scottish National Party (SNP) 1205.
Sheila Powell , Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party 1480.
Commenting Jim Savege said: “Today’s appointment sees Aberdeenshire Council restored to full democratic strength.
"I’d like to thank colleagues across the council for the smooth and successful running of this by-election.”
On her election councillor Powell said: " I have a lot to learn and I am looking forward to the challenge.
"It has been a whirlwind election, and a brilliant campaign.
"I've had good support from my team who have been with me all the way.
"It has been nerve-racking at times but the result is fantastic.
"I thank all of those who voted and who came out on the day.
"It was a close vote between us and the SNP and in this ward that was always going to be the case.
"Because we have won through on the day, I think a lot of people in Aberdeenshire are looking towards the Conservatives.
"I made a promise that I would do my absolute best for the area and its residents and it doesn't matter what their political views are.
"That is what local council is all about and I intend to keep that promise and fulfil it for the people in my constituency."
She continued: "It has been a whirlwind six weeks and I am now looking forward to getting started.
"I've had tremendous support from all the local councillors over the last six weeks to leaflet with me, as well as support from MPs including Douglas Ross and David Duguid and MSP including Alexander Burnett and Liam Kerr have all helped."
Aberdeenshire Council's current political make-up is - Alba Party (three); Aligned Independent (nine); Conservative (20); Democratic Independent and Green Group (two); Independent (three); Scottish Labour (one); Scottish Liberal Democrat (13); Scottish Libertarian Party (one); Scottish National Party (17); Unaligned Independent (one).
