EAST Lothian’s first ever Greens councillor has spoken out about her historic win, thanking the people of Musselburgh and encouraging others to take the party “more seriously”.

Shona McIntosh, who secured 991 votes, joins Ruaridh Bennett (Independent), Andy Forrest (Labour) and Cher Cassini (SNP) as the four newly elected councillors for the Musselburgh ward.

She said: “It feels amazing we are really excited we weren’t sure this would happen.

“I think here is a change in momentum in relation to the climate crisis and I think that played a big a part of it and people are taking the Greens more seriously.”

She added that it has been amazing to see indications across the county that people are interested in making environmental changes in their everyday lives.

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She continued: “There is so much we can do about climate action at the local level, so it’s great there is going to be councillors.

“I am very grateful to the people of Musselburgh for stepping up and recognising the climate crisis is urgent.

“I hope that across East Lothian we are going to help the council cut their own carbon emissions and enable people and businesses to do the same.”

Heading into the election, the ward was represented by Stuart Currie (SNP), Katie Mackie (Conservatives) and John Williamson (SNP), as well as Mr Forrest (Labour).

Neither Mr Currie nor Mr Williamson were seeking re-election, while Ms Mackie lost her seat.

The SNP missed out on retaining two seats as Iain Whyte (SNP) fell short of joining his colleague.

Also missing out were Susan Butts (Lib Dems), Michelle Graham (ALBA) and Stephen Carter (Scottish Family Party).

READ MORE: Labour candidate has support withdrawn

Mr Bennett, who had been a Labour candidate until a few days before the vote but had the support of the party withdrawn over historic social media posts, was elected.

The council had previously confirmed he would be an independent if elected.

The election of Mrs Cassini also made a piece of history as the first-ever female SNP candidate to win a seat in the county.

Kenny McLeod, Tranent, Wallyford & Macmerry councillor standing for re-election, has been out of action the last few months after undergoing a quadruple heart bypass operation at the start of the year. 

Mr McLeod said: “I am delighted for Cher; she is the first female SNP candidate to ever be elected in East Lothian [Ruth Currie, who was an SNP councillor until 2012, had been elected as a Liberal Democrat]. 

“History has been made.”

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