Scottish Labour’s Julie Ann Costello McHale has been elected to represent Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor following an East Renfrewshire Council by-election.
The mum-of-one secured 41.9% of first preference votes, retaining the seat for Scottish Labour following the passing of long-serving councillor Betty Cunningham.
The SNP came in second with 25.1% of first preference votes, while Reform UK came third with 22.2%.
Julie Ann Costello McHale with politicians and party staff following her victory (Image: Newsquest) She said: “We’ve got brilliant schools, teachers and students, but we have a number of ageing buildings throughout the ward in terms of schooling, so I will always be pushing and trying to get the resources to make sure that they are suitable for the children to do as well as they possibly can.”
Ms Costello McHale also said that she wants to make sure there are plenty of activities available for young people.
“For young people there have been issues related to anti-social behaviour that we are all acutely aware of in Barrhead,” she explained.
“It’s a small group of people who are causing those issues whereas across the ward there are fantastic young people who contribute meaningfully every single day.
“I want to be able to celebrate the young people here who are doing their absolute best to contribute.
“I want to make sure that they are plenty of activities available for young people, not just as recreation but also ones that perhaps provide transferable skills and (facilitate) inter-generational work, so that we can get to know our young people very well and younger people can get to know others.
“It’s about introducing people and getting people to chat in places that they never thought they would before.
“I also think it’s really important to ensure that I support and push for as much resourcing in terms of the police force and fire service who work in diversionary programmes to help those who are on the cusp of falling off the edge to bring them back on board and give a bit of hope for the future.”
Julie Ann Costello McHale (Image: Newsquest) Ms Costello Hale grew up in Barrhead and attended St Mark’s Primary before heading to St Luke’s High.
A life-long resident of the town, her ties to the area also include her work in the local chemist and her support role at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
The campaign was her first as a candidate but she believes her local connection has been the key to her success.
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She added: “I think it’s very important people understand the place that they are asking other people to vote for them to represent.
“I understand what Barrhead is like and I know the community. I live here and my child goes to school here and I’m using the facilities and amenities, all the time, every day.
“It’s just a really lovely community and I’m proud to have grown up here and come from here.”