West Lothian's SNP opposition group has lost one of its longest-serving councillors. Robert De Bold, one of two SNP councillors in the Livingston North ward, is now listed as an Independent, alongside former Labour councillor Andrew McGuire.
Councillor's tenure and electoral performance
Councillor De Bold was first elected 19 years ago in the ward covering Knightsridge, Deans, Eliburn, Carmondean, and part of Livingston Village. At the last council election in 2022, he polled 2,133 votes, the highest percentage of first preference votes at 29.51%.
The other SNP councillor for the ward is the also long-serving Andrew Miller. Councillor De Bold had latterly served as the opposition group's spokesman on housing.
No reason given for departure
No reason has yet been given for his decision to sit as an Independent. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has contacted Councillor De Bold for comment. Contacted by the LDRS, the SNP group leader, Broxburn councillor Janet Campbell said: “I’m sorry but I can only say ‘no comment’ at this time.”
Current council composition
The SNP remains the largest single party in the council with 14 councillors serving in nine wards across the council. The council is currently a minority Labour-led administration with 11 councillors in a loose confidence and supply agreement with four Conservatives led by Damian Doran-Timson, including Councillor Peter Heggie who serves as Depute Provost. There is also one Liberal Democrat councillor and one Reform UK councillor. Other councillors in the Livingston North ward are Labour's Anne McMillan and Conservative Alison Adamson. Council elections will be held in May next year.
