Since the General Election last year we have had a spate of local by-elections in West Lothian, and are now on our third with the current Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh campaign. The second of which I have acted as the election agent.

As a West Lothian councillor I had the privilege of working alongside SNP Councillor Diane Calder who’s retirement has triggered the current contest. I wish her well in this. Our paths will I am sure continue to cross as they did last weekend at the Independence Fourm Scotlands one day conference.

In the sixteen years I served as a West Lothian Councillor for Linlithgow there were no byelections, and during the following nine years during my time as MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk there were two local byelections. Including one in 2022 in this very Ward.

In Mike Carlin the SNP has the strongest local candidate in the contest. A hard working community activist who already has a track record locally. He is a pleasure to work with and will make an excellent local representative.

There is no question that Mike is popular, well liked and has local support. Mike is one of the few local candidates who actually lives within the ward.

Back when I was on West Lothian Council almost every councillor either lived in the ward they represented or had very strong ties through employment or family upbringing. It is sad that the strength of local links have been weakened over the years.

The question everyone wants to know is who will win. For that we need to consider the Preference voting system in use.

In a Scottish council by-election, votes are counted using the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system, though in by-elections, this works like an Alternative Vote system. Here’s how it works:

1. First Preference Count: All first-choice votes are counted.
2. Majority Check: If a candidate gets more than 50% of the votes, they are declared the winner.
3. Elimination & Transfers: If no candidate has a majority, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are transferred to the remaining candidates based on the next preferences marked on the ballot papers.
4. Repeat Process: Steps 2–3 repeat until one candidate secures over 50% of the valid votes.

The process ensures that the winner has broad support, not just a simple majority.

Turnout will be a big factor, and those with Postal Votes will make up the bulk of those who vote.

You can find more details about Mikes campaign on his social media channels. Facebook

Promoted by Martyn Day on behalf of Mike Carlin, 6 Preston Crescent, Linlithgow, EH49 6HW