Meet the six candidates running for by-election in Glasgow

Following the vote on March 18, there will be four councillors representing wards 23.

Here is your list of the six candidates standing for election. 

SNP – Abdul Bostani

“In 2001, when I was a teenager, I was forced to flee from the Taliban in Afghanistan; an ordeal that has left a lasting but nonetheless positive impact on my life.

“I have now lived in Glasgow for more than half my life – I was sent here by the Home Office 20 years ago – and I immediately embraced, and was embraced by the city.

“The need for strong representation in the council has never been greater and we need a strong and focussed group helping the city recover from the damage that has been done to our communities and economy by the pandemic and future proof the city against the worst effects of Brexit.

“Glasgow afforded me so much and to work for and give back to the city I now call home would be my privilege.”

LABOUR – Jill Brown

“I have lived in the Partick East/Kelvindale ward for more than 20 years. I know first-hand that bringing about change is hard. I was part of the recent Notre Dame High For All campaign to allow local boys and girls to attend their local secondary school, Notre Dame High. 

“That campaign highlighted for me the importance of a strong voice speaking up for our community. I will stand up to support our schools; to fight for the resources they need and for working families who are struggling to feed and clothe their children.

“That’s why I am standing to be your councillor and your champion in the City Chambers.

“Glasgow has had a decade of cuts – because of decisions by SNP politicians in Edinburgh. While the SNP’s budget at Holyrood grows, Glasgow’s gets cut. We need a strong voice to stand up for our local community who will put Glasgow first.

“I rely on our local services, as we all do, and I know people’s deep frustrations about the quality of basic services in the city. The services we rely on are suffering. Whether it’s on public transport, roads or bins, Glasgow deserves better.

“Public transport is either non-existent, or completely unreliable. I will be a champion for a reliable, affordable network. Too much public money has been paid to bail out privately owned bus companies whilst those same companies have been reducing our bus services. We deserve a transport system that puts people before profit.

“The potholes in roads around Glasgow are a disgrace and a danger to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike because the SNP council has failed to take care of our roads and pavements. 

“I will be a strong voice demanding a proper maintenance programme. Bins are overflowing and the streets are covered in litter. I will demand an end to cuts in collections and push for more resources to clean up our city.”

CONSERVATIVES – Naveed Asghar

“Issues facing the ward include business closures, business grant support, on street parking, litter & bin collections, bus connectivity, affordable housing, school places, nursery provision, graffiti, road repairs and noise pollution amongst many others.

“I plan to be a full time, hands on councillor with an open door policy to engage with those needing assistance, being a vital bridge between the community and the council.

“If I get elected I will engage with residents and groups on a wide range of different issues. I will ensure I scrutinise council decisions on planning and licensing applications affecting the ward. I plan to build strong relationships and encourage local people to make their views known and engage with me and the council. I plan to develop a vision for the local area, working collaboratively to improve services and quality of life for residents.”

SCOTTISH GREENS – Blair Anderson

“If elected to be the next Scottish Green councillor in Partick East/Kelvindale, I’ll look to build on that record of action. I’m a law student, an equalities campaigner, and work in environmental sustainability. 

“I’m passionate about making our community work better for all the people who live here.

“The climate crisis is the biggest political issue of our time, and it’s the biggest threat to our future. Green councillors are leading the way on tackling this in Glasgow, winning a commitment to a carbon neutral city by 2030. But that was 18 months ago and since then the council has dragged their feet. What we need is action, not endless talking, and the only way to guarantee that is by electing more Green councillors.

“Dealing with bins and recycling is one of the core jobs the council has to do. People in Glasgow want a clean city they can enjoy and be proud of and a Green city, where they can easily recycle and help take action on climate change. We need to work directly with local communities, frontline workers, and experts to design a better system and as your local councillor I would make this one of my top priorities.

“We must also tackle the rent crisis. I was delighted that the Green councillors secured a Rent Crisis declaration in Glasgow City Council, and as your councillor, I would build on this win to secure tenant-led reforms.”

UKIP – Donald McKay

“Although this is a local council by election UKIP are standing in order that we may offer a genuine alternative to the cosy political club which runs Scotland.

“These people have little empathy with the lives of ordinary people and for the most part have graduated from the university debating society to the Holyrood chambers .I was brought up in the South side of Glasgow.

“I have managed my own mortgage broking business since 1995 and deplore the way the Government is making life as difficult as possible for the small business community.

“It is vital we have in Glasgow and healthy and growing small business community with the minimum of unnecessary regulation and red tape.

“Socialist and SNP politicians do not understand this. They loathe the concept of profit with the ensuing benefits to the community at large in terms of offering more employment opportunities.

“The plight of the young is particularly distressing. They cannot find jobs because there are not enough healthy small business to employ them.

“Throw in a misguided lockdown and businesses are struggling to survive; many in fact will fail.

“I invite you to stop voting for the usual suspects. They are all the same and make no difference anyway.”

LIB DEMS – Tahir Jameel

“I have a great desire to make a difference for Partick East & Kelvindale and I will raise awareness of social issues that are important to the local people and communities living in this vibrant, lively neighbourhood.

“I have a genuine passion for education and a commitment to fight for resources for our schools. The exam results fiasco this summer when poorer and BAME students were disproportionately given lower grades when compared to their more privileged counterparts was a particularly outrageous example of how the SNP government has been failing Scotland’s children. 

“I will work hard to ensure that everyone in Partick East & Kelvindale has access to a good local school. Every child deserves the best start in life.

“I also know that access to affordable childcare is vitally important for many young families and we need to extend council funding for childcare.

“I also support tough measures needed to bring air quality within acceptable limits on our streets.

“Nothing makes me as happy as to see that individual have a smile on their face once again as together, we have been able to share the cause and fight the fight. As the SNP shed support, the local Labour party has descended into civil war over their selection of a pro-independence referendum Holyrood candidate. 

“I am asking you to add your support to electing me as your representative and I will ensure the voices of the people of Partick East & Kelvindale are heard.”