Newly elected Cromarty Firth councillor Richard Cross pledges to do ‘absolute level best’ for ward after by-election victory
Independent candidate Richard Cross has been elected as the new Highland councillor for Ward 6 (Cromarty Firth), following a tightly contested by-election to replace former councillor Maxine Smith.
The Invergordon-based candidate secured victory at stage nine of the single transferable vote count, after leading the pack of nine candidates.
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Electronic election counts for both wards were carried out today at Kyleakin Village Hall, Isle of Skye, from 11am.
Mr Cross received 503 first-preference votes, eventually surpassing the required quota of 2193 votes after transfers from eliminated candidates.
A total of 2410 ballot papers were received from an electorate of 9774, marking a 24.7 per cent turnout.
25 ballots were rejected.
Also contesting the seat were Odette MacDonald (SNP, 568 first preference votes), Alan MacDonald (Reform UK, 348), Martin Rattray (Independent, 368), Ross Costigane (Lib Dem, 290), Anne Thomas (Green, 92), Steve Chisholm (Alba, 91), Michael Perera (Labour, 77) and Brian Forbes (Conservative, 48).
Speaking after his win, Mr Cross said: “I've dreamed about this moment for quite a long time. I would just want to thank everybody who has taken part in this election.
“I think it's been very fairly done. We've all worked very hard to get a result. I hope it's the right result for the ward."
“I'd also like to thank my own supporters who have been absolutely incredible and also the election office staff – you've done a fantastic job in keeping the process absolutely fair and above board.
“If I can use that sort of expression, as a councillor I hope that I will maintain the principles of being clear, open and fair. I hope I'll be a good listener and I'll do my absolute level best for the ward.”
The by-election was held following the resignation of long-standing councillor Maxine Smith back in March.
Cllr Cross joins Sinclair Coghill (Highland Alliance), Tamala Collier (SNP), and John Edmondson (Lib Dem) as one of four representatives for the Cromarty Firth area.
The ward encompasses the communities of Evanton, Alness and Invergordon and includes Saltburn, Tomich, Rosskeen, Dalmore, Teanininch and Ardross.
In today’s other by-election result, Ward 10 Eilean a’ Cheò was won by Christine Gillies – Independent – who was one of eight candidates contesting the vacancy,
