Local Government By-election
Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor - Thursday 21 August 2025
East Renfrewshire Council is divided into five electoral wards. In his role as Returning Officer, Steven Quinn, the Council's Chief Executive, is responsible for the planning and delivery of elections (and By-elections) in East Renfrewshire.
The Returning Officer is supported by a small team who can be contacted by calling Tel: 0141 577 3033 or by email at: electionoffice@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
A By-election can happen at any time due to a vacancy arising, for example, the death or resignation of an elected representative. A By-election can take place during any of the ordinary local government electoral cycles and is subject to the same statutory timetable and provisions.
Election of a Councillor for Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor
Following the passing of Councillor Betty Cunningham OBE, a local government By-election will be held in Electoral Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor on Thursday 21 August 2025.
How to Vote at a Local Government By-Election
Voters will receive a single ballot paper. On the ballot paper you will be asked to number the candidates in order of your preference, placing a "1" against your first choice, a "2" against your second choice, a "3" against your third choice and so on. You may vote for as many or as few of the listed candidates as you wish. The candidates you vote for may be from the same party, from several different parties, or be independent candidates.
The system of voting for this By-election is the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. For more information about the STV system, watch the video which was produced by the Electoral Commission for the Scottish Local Government Elections in May 2022.
The Role of a Councillor
The Improvement Service has created a website for prospective candidates with information about the role of a Councillor, including what Councillors do and what's expected of a Councillor. There are also videos and short stories of Councillors from across Scotland detailing why they became a Councillor, the difference they make, and their advice if you are thinking of standing for election.
If you wish to stand as a Candidate in the Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor By-election on Thursday 21 August 2025, you'll find more information on the Nomination process below in the Standing as a Candidate section.
Access to Elected Office Fund
Inclusion Scotland run an Access to Elected Office fund that provides financial assistance to candidates with disabilities standing for election. This fund can help with the extra cost you may incur as a result of your disability.
For more information about applying for funding, please visit the Inclusion Scotland website.
Standing as a Candidate
For information on standing as a candidate, it is highly recommended that you visit the Electoral Commission's website where you will find a range of guidance and resources for candidates and agents.
If you wish to stand for election as a Candidate in the Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor By-election, you can download a nomination pack and the Returning Officer's Local Guidance Notes below:
Nomination Pack **AVAILABLE SOON**
Returning Officer's Local Guidance Notes **AVAILABLE SOON**
Alternatively, you can contact the Election Office on Tel: 0141 577 3033 or by email: electionoffice@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk to request a pack to be sent to you.
The Notice of Election will be published on Wednesday 2 July 2025. Nominations will be accepted by the Returning Officer between 10:00 am. and 4:00 pm. on any working day from Thursday 3 July 2025. Candidates are requested to contact the Election Office on 0141 577 3033 or by email: electionoffice@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk to make an appointment for the delivery of Nomination papers.
PLEASE NOTE: The deadline for delivery of Nomination papers is 4:00 pm on Friday 18 July 2025. The Returning Officer cannot accept Nomination papers after this deadline under any circumstances.
Briefing for Candidates and Election Agents
The Returning Officer will hold a Briefing for Candidates and Election Agents on Wednesday 23 July 2025 at 5:15 p.m. in the Council Chamber, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG.
By-election Timetable
A summary of key dates for the Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor By-election on Thursday 21 August 2025 are provided below:
| Event | Date (Deadline) |
|---|---|
Publication of the Notice of Election | Wednesday 2 July 2025 |
| Delivery of Nomination Papers | Each working day between 10:00 am. and 4.00 pm from Thursday 03 July 2025 *Candidates/Agents are asked to make an appointment for the delivery of Nomination papers. |
Deadline for the delivery of Nomination Papers | Friday 18 July 2025 (deadline is 4.00 pm) |
Deadline for the withdrawal of Nomination Papers | Friday 18 July 2025 (deadline is 4.00 pm) |
Deadline for Notification of Appointment of Election Agents | Friday 18 July 2025 (deadline is 4.00 pm) |
Deadline for Publication of Notice of Poll/Statement of Persons Nominated/Situation of Polling Places | Friday 18 July 2025 (as soon as practicable after 4.00 pm) |
| Issue of Poll Cards | tbc |
| Deadline to Register to Vote | Tuesday 5 August 2025 (deadline is midnight) |
Deadline for new postal vote applications and for changes to existing postal or proxy votes. | Wednesday 6 August 2025 (deadline is 5 p.m.) |
| Issue of postal votes | On or around Friday 8 August 2025 |
Deadline for new applications to vote by proxy (not postal proxy), except for medical emergencies. | Wednesday 13 August 2025 (deadline is 5.00 pm) |
Deadline for notifications of appointment of polling and counting agents | Thursday 14 August 2025 |
First date that electors can apply for replacements for lost postal votes | Friday 15 August 2025 |
| Polling Day | Thursday 21 August 2025 (from 7.00 am - 10.00 pm) |
Deadline for emergency proxy applications. | Thursday 21 August 2025 (deadline is 5.00 pm) |
Last time for reissue for spoilt and lost postal votes. | Thursday 21 August 2025 (deadline is 10.00 pm) |
Last time to alter the register due to clerical error or court appeal. | Thursday 21 August 2025 (deadline is 9.00 pm) |
| eCount | Friday 22 August 2025 (commencing at 10.00 am) |
Last date to submit election spending returns | Thursday 25 September 2025 |
Public Notices
The Public Notices relating to the Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor By-election on Thursday 21 August 2025 will be published here throughout the election process.
Registering to Vote
The deadline to register to vote in the Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor By-election is midnight on Tuesday 5 August 2025. You can register online at: Register to vote - GOV.UK
Alternatively, you can contact the Electoral Registration Officer who is based at Renfrewshire House, Cotton Street, Paisley, PA1 1BF on Tel: 0300 300 0150 or by email: ero@renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk
The Count
The verification and counting of votes cast will happen electronically (known as an eCount) on the morning of Friday 22 August 2025 commencing at 10.00 am. Results will be published as soon as possible after the completion of the count.
Results
The results of Ward 1: Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor By-election will be published here as soon as possible after the completion of the count.
