Party thanks Labour support

LABOUR has thanked supporters who voted for the party in the Bo’ness and Blackness By-Election. The poll was caused by the death of SNP Councillor Harry Constable.

Fellow Nationalist Ann Ritchie won yesterday’s contest, with Labour’s Len Ainslie coming second. The result was announced shortly before midnight at the Falkirk Council count in Bo’ness Town Hall.

A party spokesman said: “There was a very low turnout, and bad weather meant that many people just didn’t come out and vote.

“Clearly we’re disappointed at the result as we had a good candidate in Len Ainslie, a man who has worked tirelessly for the community for many years. That said, we want to thank those people who did vote Labour on November 19.”

The results were as follows:

• Lennox Ainslie, Scottish Labour Party Candidate, 823
• Gavin Chomczuk, Scottish Liberal Democrats, 79
• Lynn Munro, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, 283
• Ann Ritchie, Scottish National Party (SNP), 1,604

Total turnout 23.5 per cent – 2,789 votes. There were 26 rejected ballots.

Labour still leads the administration running Falkirk Council – with Bo’ness Labour Councillor Adrian Mahoney convening the leisure, tourism and community committee.

Make Len your first choice today

Voters in Bo’ness and Blackness go to the polls today (Thursday, November 19) to elect a new Councillor. The by-election was caused by the death of Councillor Harry Constable in September. Polling stations will be open between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The election method being used is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. Voters are asked to put the candidates in order of preference, marking ‘1′ for their first choice, ‘2′ for their second choice and so on.  Please make Lennox Ainslie, Scottish Labour’s candidate, your first choice, by putting a “1” in the box after his name. Thank you.

It’s the fighters who change the world . . .

LABOUR’S Scottish Secretary, Jim Murphy MP, talks about the Queen’s Speech – and a new video which reminds people of Labour’s legacy.

He says: “Last week’s vote in Glasgow shows that Labour teamwork wins elections. When we stand up for our values, people choose Labour.

“For most of the last 100 years Labour has been without power.
But our party has always stood up for what we believe in – even against the odds. We’ve made a video about it which will be shown on TV tonight. (Click the video above to see it above).

“Even in tough times, Labour stands for Scotland. We truly are Scotland’s party: founded by Keir Hardie and proud now to have a Prime Minister from Scotland.

”Today’s Queen’s Speech sets out what the Labour government will do before the general election. We will take real action on jobs, child poverty, on green energy, on curbing bankers’ bonuses – and on banning the horror of cluster bombs.

Len: I’ll fight for Bo’ness and Blackness

LABOUR’S Candidate in the Bo’ness and Blackness By-Election, Len Ainslie, has sent an eve-of-poll message to voters.

“This is just a quick note to remind you about the Bo’ness and Blackness  By-Election – which takes place this Thursday, November 19.  Polling stations open at 7 a.m. and run until 10 p.m. I hope you can consider giving me your personal support.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve walked the streets, talked to voters and  discussed the issues that matter to local people. I’d like to thank you for your time and honesty. You want to see more shops in the town, but you’ve also welcomed the investment that has taken place – from the Hippodrome and new business centre, to the refurbishment of old buildings and new paving being laid in the town centre itself. This investment has continued under the Labour-led administration that now runs Falkirk Council, and, if elected, I’ll continue to press for that ongoing investment. We shouldn’t rest on our laurels.

Congratulations to Labour’s Willie Bain

BO’NESS Labour is sending its congratulations to the party’s Willie Bain – who won the Glasgow North East by-election. He polled 12,231 votes – more than 8000 votes in front of the second-placed SNP candidate David Kerr. The result was announced in the early hours of this morning.

Give your views on parks

FALKIRK Council is asking people to give their views on local parks and open spaces. The Council is hosting drop-in sessions in Bo’ness Recreation Centre from noon to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18. Alternatively you can give your views online at www.falkirk.gov.uk/goto/publicparksconsultation

Bo’ness Labour Councillor Adrian Mahoney – the area’s parks convener – encouraged people to have their say. “Parks are important to our communities and we want to improve them. Please try to attend the drop-in event, or give your views online.”

Cathy continues Antonine Wall cash fight

BO’NESS MSP Cathy Peattie has continued to press for funding from the SNP Scottish Government to support the Antonine Wall.

In a previous parliamentary answer, the Nationalists’ Culture Minister, Mike Russell, admitted there had been no money from the Scottish Government since the turf wall gained World Heritage Status in July 2008.

The Wall runs from Bo’ness to Old Kilpatrick. It can be seen at Kinneil Estate, in Polmont and at Callendar Park in Falkirk.

Mrs Peattie compared the lack of Scottish cash to substantial investment for Hadrian’s Wall in England to improve visitor facilities.

She told a debate on Scotland’s Historic Environment: “In Scotland, we have been promised jam tomorrow, but I fear that we are struggling to get even bread and butter today.”

Len speaks to voters in Blackness

LABOUR Provost Pat Reid today (Wednesday) joined Len Ainslie, the party’s candidate in the Bo’ness and Blackness By-Election,  to speak to voters in Blackness.

They also distributed a special newsletter for the village (right).

Mr Ainslie highlighted his concerns at businesses closing down in Blackness.

“The post office, the pub and the tearoom have all closed down over the years, and that’s been a blow to the village. I want to support new tourism businesses opening in the area – as they provide jobs and investment for the community, as well as good facilities for locals to enjoy.”

Candidate on campaign trail

LABOUR launched its latest leaflet in a bid to woo voters in the Bo’ness and Blackness By-Election.

The party’s candidate, Len Ainslie, also hit the streets to speak to voters and talk to local people about the issues that matter.

The by-election was called after the death of veteran SNP councillor Harry Constable. Voters go to the polls in the Falkirk Council ward on November 19.

Mr Ainslie, who has served on a variety of community groups over the past 20 years, is a former trader, who ran a shop in Bo’ness.

He’s currently the chair of the local Area Forum and the Licensing Forum.

Lest we forget

BO’NESS today remembered those who died fighting for their country. A remembrance service was held at Bo’ness Old Kirk, followed by a short ceremony at the Centotaph at Stewart Avenue. The town’s Labour Councillor Adrian Mahoney joined political colleagues to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. “Whatever our political views we should all take time on this day to remember those who died in conflict defending our country – and wear our poppies with pride,” he said.

Inspired by Lt Col John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields written during the First World War, the poppy has become the symbol of remembrance for those who gave their lives. The first Poppy Appeal took place in 1921 with poppies imported from France and in 1926 Lady Haig established the Poppy Factory in Edinburgh.

Visit Poppyscotland – supporting veterans and their dependants in Scotland