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The 1977 Midlothian District Council Election was held in May 1977, the same day as the other Scottish local government elections. This was the second election for the Midlothian District Council, and constituted the only time in the District Council's 21-year existence that Labour failed to win a majority of the seats. It would take 30 years, until the 2007 Midlothian Council election and the introduction of the use of STV in local elections, for the SNP to win as many councillors again in Midlothian.

In the ward of Bonnyrigg South, the SNP and Labour candidates tied for votes. As a result, the winner was decided by means of drawing cards. Robert Mathieson, the Labour candidate, drew a 10 of Diamonds, losing the seat to the SNP's Francis Rigby, who drew an Ace of Diamonds. With the loss of Bonnyrigg South, Labour were left with only 7 of the councils 15 seats, losing them control of the council.[1]

Election results

Midlothian Local Election Result 1977[2]
Party Seats Gains Losses Net gain/loss Seats % Votes % Votes +/−
  Labour 7 Decrease4 41.4 9,286 Decrease8.8
  SNP 5 Increase4 30.5 6,844 Increase15.7
  Conservative 2 Steady0 20.3 4,548 Increase3.6
  Independent 1 Steady0 4.9 1,097 Decrease13.0
  Communist 0 0 0 N/A 0.0 0.7 164 New
  Liberal 0 0 0 N/A 0.0 0.4 99 New
  Other parties 0 0 0 Steady0 0.0 1.7 372

Ward results

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References

  1. ^ Glasgow Herald, p.9
  2. ^ p.87-92[full citation needed]
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