Candidates have been chosen to fight the Kilpatrick by-election next month.

Eight parties have selected who will contest the vote on Thursday, November 28.

The by-election has been called after Douglas McAllister resigned from West Dunbartonshire Council after becoming the new MP for the constituency back in July.

The successful candidate will join the two other councillors who currently represent this ward; councillor Lawrence O'Neill [Labour] and councillor Gordon Scanlan [SNP].

Candidates for the Kilpatrick by-election 

  • Paula Baker - Scottish Greens
  • Dylan McAllister - Communist Party of Britain
  • Ewan McGinnigle - Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
  • Andrew Joseph Muir - Scottish Family Party
  • Kai O'Connor - Scottish Liberal Democrats
  • William Rooney - Scottish Labour Party
  • Marina Scanlan - Scottish National Party
  • David Haydn Smith - Reform UK

This election will be decided using the Single Transferable Vote electoral system where candidates are ranked by number in order of preference.

Number one would therefore go next to the name of the representative who is the voter’s first choice, two next to their second choice, and so on.

This system is used for council elections in multi-member wards.

Voting will get underway from 7am on November 28, with polling places remaining open until the vote closes at 10pm.

The count will take place immediately after the polls close, with a declaration as soon as possible thereafter.

Residents are being encouraged to ensure they are registered to take part in the vote, including adhering to deadlines for applying for a postal or proxy vote.

Returning officer Peter Hessett said: “We want West Dunbartonshire residents who reside in the Kilpatrick ward to ensure they can use their vote to have their say on who they want to represent them.

“The successful candidate elected as a Councillor will make decisions on behalf of residents about local services including roads, parks, schools and planning.

“So I’d encourage everyone in this ward to check they are registered now and if not, ensure you apply before the deadlines. People least likely to be registered include first time voters or those who have recently moved house. I’d encourage anyone who is unsure whether they are on the electoral register to contact the electoral registration office on 0141 562 1200 and, if necessary, complete the forms online which will take just a few minutes.

“In addition, any resident requiring a postal or proxy vote should apply now before the deadline.”

The deadline to apply to be registered ahead of the poll is the 12 November.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on November 13, and for a proxy vote is 5pm on November 20.