Parties pick candidates for by election in Glasgow in March

The four parties represented on the council have selected who will contest the vote on March 7.

The by-election was called after the death of long-serving Labour councillor Hanzala Malik in December, last year.

Labour will be looking to retain the seat as the party is encouraged by polling moving into a general election year.

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The Greens, however, had the highest number of votes at the last council election in 2022 and will be looking to add to their 10 councillors in Glasgow.

The party’s candidate won 36% of the first preference votes, with the SNP in second and Labour third.

For council elections in multi-member wards, a system of Single Transferable vote is used where candidates are ranked by number in order of preference.

Ruth Hall has been selected by Labour to defend the seat it won in 2022.

She currently works on the office staff for Paul Sweeney Glasgow Labour MSP.

The candidate said: “I promise to tirelessly advocate for residents in Hillhead, building on Hanzala’s legacy, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. 

“I will work hand in hand with residents to shape a brighter future for Hillhead."

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Seonad Hoy is the Scottish Greens candidate.

A Hillhead resident, she has a background in the third sector and social housing including as a social benefits officer for Wheatley Housing Group.

Ms Hoy said: "We are living through a climate and nature emergency. Scottish Greens are the only party which is prioritising tackling these emergencies, implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions and improve biodiversity."

The SNP has chosen Malcolm McConnell as its candidate.

He is a staff member in Glasgow North SNP MP, Patrick Grady’s office.

He said: “If elected, I will be a champion for people across Hillhead, and continue the SNP’s work in Glasgow to tackle inequalities, meet the challenge of the climate emergency and invest in our local communities.”

Faten Hameed has been picked by the Conservatives.

She is a former Scottish Labour candidate who left to join the Tories who she has also stood for before in Glasgow.

She said: “I have made Glasgow my home since moving from Iraq over three decades ago and I love this city.

“However, I don’t believe right now it is reaching its full potential due to the failures of this SNP-led city council.”