New SNP MSPs Simita Kumar and Kate Campbell step down from council
By-elections expected early September
Edinburgh’s two new SNP MSPs are to stand down from the city council, meaning two by-elections to choose new councillors.
Former SNP group leader Simita Kumar, who was elected MSP for Edinburgh South Western on May 7, has since been made Minister for Equalities and International Development. She has been a councillor for Southside / Newington ward since 2022.
But she will resign from the council on Thursday, along with Kate Campbell, former housing convener for Edinburgh, who is now SNP MSP for the new seat of Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent. She has been SNP councillor for Portobello / Craigmillar since 2017.
An SNP spokesperson said: “Balancing the two very important roles of councillor and MSP has been something both Simita and Kate have been considering over the last few weeks - with the issue becoming more of an urgent question following Simita’s appointment as a government minister.
“Both SNP councillors have today tendered their resignation - effective from Thursday 4 June - to the chief executive in order to allow the council to manage the by-elections cost effectively and efficiently.“
It is understood the by-elections are likely to be held on Thursday, September 3.
Two other councillors elected to the Scottish Parliament - the Lib Dems’ Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, councillor for Forth ward and now MSP for Edinburgh Northern; and the Greens’ Kayleigh Kinross-O’Neill, who also represents Forth ward, and is now a regional list MSP - are expected to serve the remainder of their term at the council and step down at the council elections in May next year.
Simita Kumar said: “It’s been an honour to represent Southside Newington, a place I love and one that continues to inspire me with its resilience, its incredible local organisations and the strength of the people who call it home.
“While I am stepping down from this role, I know Southside Newington has a bright future ahead, and I am confident we will put forward an SNP candidate with the energy and commitment needed to continue championing this fantastic area.
“It has also been a huge privilege to lead the SNP group, and I look forward to seeing the group fight for a better future for our city under the leadership of Lesley Macinnes.”
Kate Campbell said: “Representing the amazing communities of Portobello and Craigmillar has been an honour over the last nine years and I look forward to continuing to represent them as their MSP.
“I look forward to campaigning for the SNP candidate who hopes to take over from me and, hopefully, working alongside them to continue the to improve the lives of local people.”
Labour topped the poll in Southside / Newington ward at the 2022 council elections, with the Greens a close second and the SNP in third place.
Ms Campbell was comfortably top of the poll in Liberton / Gilmerton in 2022, with Labour second and the Greens third.
Edinburgh’s Greens welcomed the contests, claiming that they were in a strong position to win by-elections in the city for the first time.
Alys Mumford, co-convener of the 11-strong Green group on the council, said: "The Southside/Newington contest was always on the cards as soon as Simita was appointed as a minister. It is one of three wards in Edinburgh which first elected Green councillors back in 2007 and has been represented by well-known and respected Green councillor Steve Burgess ever since.
“In 2022 it was competitive between five parties but since then voting patterns have shifted dramatically in favour of the Greens.”
Cllr Mumford continued: "An election in my my own ward of Portobello/Craigmillar was less expected but I know from my own experience and that of Green councillor Mary Campbell before me, how much Green support has grown and I don't think Kate's personal support from 2022 will simply transfer to a new SNP candidate.
"Only four weeks ago Greens won our first ever parliamentary constituency in Edinburgh Central and, across the city, Greens topped the poll in Scottish Parliament list votes. That's why I believe that we will attract many of those voters looking for a greener, fairer, welcoming city. We are in both contests for the win."