Skip to main content

LABOUR HOLD EDINBURGH NORTH AND LEITH

Submitted by Editor on

Labour have retained the Edinburgh North and Leith constituency with an increased share of the vote but a smaller majority over their nearest rivals. 

The Liberal-Democrats pushed them extremely close, recording the largest percentage surge of any party.

The Conservatives came third with a smaller share of the vote than in 2005. With an overall reduction in support compared to the last election, their vote also showed the largest percentage decrease of any party.

The Scottish Nationalists marginally increased their number of votes over 2005, but with an increased turnout their percentage share of the vote actually fell.

The Greens will perhaps be disappointed not to have picked up more protest votes from the SNP and smaller parties. Some of their voters seem to have transferred allegiance to, or voted tactically for, the Liberal-Democrats.

The Liberal Party in Scotland did best among the minnows, while the never clearly explained distinction between the two socialist parties split their vote.

The Independent candidate gained 0.3% of the vote despite the lowest of low-profile campaigns.

A record attendance at the Spurtle hustings last month was reflected in a marked 5.9% increase in turnout: 47,356 locals cast their vote, 4,631 more than in 2005. (For 2005 figures, see 'Extras', 23.4.10.)


Name Party Votes % +/-
Mark Lazarowicz Labour 17,740 37.5 +3.2
Kevin Lang Liberal Democrat 16,016 33.8 +4.6
Iain McGill Conservative 7,079 14.9 -3.7
Calum Cashley Scottish National Party 4,568 9.6 -0.5
Kate Joester Green 1,062 2.2 -3.6
John Hein Liberal Party 389 0.8 +0.8
Willie Black Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 233 0.5 +0.5
David Jacobsen Socialist Labour Party 141 0.3 +0.3
Cameron MacIntyre Independent 128 0.3 +0.3
Majority 1,724 3.6
Turnout 47,356 68.4 +6.0