Salmond setback as Scots nationalists fail in Glasgow
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex Salmond's hopes of sweeping Labour aside in Scotland's biggest city were dashed last night, fuelling claims that an unstoppable SNP march towards an independent Scotland had stalled.
Labour defied nationalist hopes in Glasgow to return to power while securing its position as the biggest party in Edinburgh, where the ruling Liberal Democrats were routed.
Mr Salmond's party is still on course to be the biggest party in local government, with unprecedented majorities in Dundee and Angus. However, most councils remained hung under the single transferable voting system.
Despite the low turnout both main parties were talking up their successes. Early indications suggested the Labour vote could increase by six per cent with the SNP up four per cent. Gains came at the expense of the Conservatives, fighting for the first time under their new leader, Ruth Davidson, and even more so the Liberal Democrats.
The backlash to the Coalition was strongest in Edinburgh, where voters were furious with the Liberal Democrats over their handling of a tram project which is now £400m over budget and running five years late. Among those to lose their seat was the former council leader Jenny Dawe. Voters vented their anger by spoiling ballot papers with the word "trams".
In her first electoral test as Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said: "If last year was a tsunami for the SNP, perhaps now the tide is going out on Alex Salmond."
Huge Labour gains leave Coalition with identity crisis
Boris Johnson passes the winning post – but it was no easy ride to victory
'Red Ken' finally reaches the end of the line
Clegg punished with his party's worst-ever results
MPs turn fire on Cameron after dismal showing
Labour takes power across the country – and Miliband tightens grip on his party
Leading article: A good result, but Labour must beware a false dawn
Steve Richards: Labour (and Ed Miliband) are no longer doomed
Andrew Grice: Bruised and battered, Clegg will struggle to sell Coalition relaunch
Professor John Curtice: Labour's making progress, but it's still some way from No 10
Chris Bryant: The naked and the dead – just a couple of the things you meet while canvassing
Galloway's Respect wins in Bradford again
'Chipping Norton set' desert the Tories
Cities reject Cameron's dream of mayors for all
Salmond setback as Scots nationalists fail in Glasgow
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments