New councillor elected

Published: Friday 10 July 2026

This is a head and shoulders image of Councillor Fiona McDermott, who was elected to Ward 20 Larkhall following a by-election on Thursday 9 July 2026

Larkhall has a new councillor after a by-election was held yesterday.

Reform UK Scotland candidate Fiona McDermott was elected in ward 20 with 1,150 first preference votes.

There were four candidates in total and under the Single Transferable Vote electoral system used in local authority elections in Scotland, Councillor McDermott was elected at the fourth stage.

The total electorate for the area was 15,764 and the number of ballot papers received was 3,297 giving a percentage turnout of 20.9%.

There were 31 rejected ballot papers.

The by-election was held following the sad passing of Councillor Lesley McDonald.

Full details of the result can be found on the council website.

  • 30 October 2026

    1,000 additional council homes on the horizon

  • 30 October 2026

    Fun facts behind the important winter-safety advice

  • 29 October 2026

    Don’t forget the danger of flooding

  • 28 October 2026

    Festival of Remembrance takes place this weekend

  • 28 October 2026

    Planning ahead goes a long way to help with winter journeys

  • 27 October 2026

    Week highlights importance of connection and belonging

  • 27 October 2026

    A very particular set of skills helps with winter driving

  • 26 October 2026

    Preparing now for winter on the roads will help us all

  • 22 October 2026

    Pesticide use reduced across South Lanarkshire

  • 21 October 2026

    Donation helps charity build on work that sees children SMILE