The Scottish Conservatives have won the Stranraer and the Rhins by-election.
Local resident Julie Currie becomes the party’s newest councillor after clinching a tight contest caused by the resignation of the sitting independent.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay hailed Julie as a “fantastic representative and a strong voice” for Stranraer and the Rhins.
He added her victory confirmed that, in many parts of Scotland, the Scottish Conservatives were best placed to beat the SNP.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “This is an impressive by-election win for the Scottish Conservatives and my congratulations go to Julie Currie as our party’s newest councillor.
“I campaigned with Julie, and I know she will be a fantastic representative and a strong voice for Stranraer and the Rhins on Dumfries and Galloway Council.
“Voters in the area are sick of rising bills under Scotland’s two left-wing governments. They are paying more than ever in tax and getting less for it. People are scunnered by the SNP’s abject failure to improve local healthcare or upgrade the A75 and A77.
“For the good of Scotland, it’s essential that we get rid of this failing, independence-obsessed SNP Government next May, and focus on growing Scotland’s economy to bring down bills and improve key services.
“This result shows that in a host of areas up and down the country, like Dumfries and Galloway, the Scottish Conservatives are best placed to beat the Nationalists next May.”
Notes to editors
The result can be seen here:
https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2025-11/By-election-Stranraer%20and-the-Rhins-result.pdf