Scottish Labour is celebrating two by-election gains from the SNP – both caused by the resignation of Nationalist MSPs from their council roles.

SNP MSPs Bill Kidd and John Wilson both triggered by-elections by standing down from their dual council seats – and tonight both seats were won by Scottish Labour.

In Glasgow, Scottish Labour’s Anne McTaggart took Bill Kidd MSP’s seat in the Anniesland / Drumchapel ward, winning just shy of half the first-preference votes.

In North Lanarkshire, Scottish Labour’s Peter Sullivan took John Wilson MSP’s seat in the Coatbridge North and Glenboig ward, winning by 37% – 30% on first-preference votes.

In East Dunbartonshire, Scottish Labour's Alan Moir (pictured) held the Bishopbriggs South ward following the sad death of Provost Alex Hannah.

Iain Gray MSP said:

"We won three by-elections last night in difficult circumstances. This is a stunning result for Labour – and two of those seats were gained from the SNP.

"It is also a personal humiliation for Alex Salmond, as the two seats we gained were vacated by his SNP MSPs stepping down from their dual council roles. Unlike their boss, they gave up their dual mandate – and voters replaced them with Labour.

"This shows that the public are fed up with the SNP’s broken promises. They are just not doing enough to help Scotland out of recession. They are cutting teacher numbers, their plan for building new schools lies in tatters, and they are not keeping our streets safe.

"Alex Salmond thinks it is fine to hide information on an escaped murderer from parliament to protect his justice secretary. No wonder local voters have turned their back on his party.

"I want to congratulate Scotland’s three newest councillors – Alan Moir, Peter Sullivan and Anne McTaggart. They will work hard to help Scots through this most difficult of economic times."

New Councillor Alan Moir (East Dunbartonshire) said:

"I am delighted to win this seat for Scottish Labour. I have very big boots to fill, but promise to work hard to represent all the people here."

New Councillor Anne McTaggart (Glasgow) said:

"I am absolutely ecstatic at winning. I cannot wait to be out in the community, striving to help others. It was a great campaign, I loved every minute of it, and had fantastic support from local people."

New Councillor Peter Sullivan (North Lanarkshire) said:

"I am thrilled to be elected to serve the whole community on North Lanarkshire Council. I look forward to working with my Labour colleagues and other colleagues to represent the people in Coatbridge North and Glenboig."

5 June 2009