1897 Edinburgh Corporation election

An Election to the Edinburgh Corporation was held on 2 November 1897, alongside municipal elections across Scotland, and the wider British local elections. Contests took place in 5 of the cities’ 13 wards, with candidates in the remaining 8 being returned unopposed. Three Portobello wards also held elections. The election was relatively quiet, with no particularly important issues being raised. As a result, the main focus of the election was on the Lord Provost and the personalities of the individual candidates.[1]

The Liberal Sir Mitchell Mitchell-Thomson, 1st Baronet took over as Provost following the election, replacing the Unionist Sir Andrew McDonald.

Aggregate results

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Edinburgh Corporation election, 1897[1]
(Contested seats)
Party Seats Gains Losses Net gain/loss Seats % Votes % Votes +/−
  Unionist 5
  Liberal 2
  Radical 1

Ward Results

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Results by ward.
Newington[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist John Harrison 2,431
Liberal Mr Macpherson 2,254
Majority 177
Turnout 4,685
Unionist hold Swing
St. Leonard's[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Robert Menzies 1,776
Socialist William Gall 467
Majority 1,309
Turnout 2,243
Liberal hold Swing
Broughton[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Radical Hugh M. Michael 1,108
Unionist James M. Anderson 664
Majority 444
Turnout 1,772
Radical hold Swing
Canongate[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist Councillor Gubie 1,116
Social Democratic Federation George Doull 636
Majority 480
Turnout 1,752
Unionist hold Swing
St. George's[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist David Purves 1,800
Liberal Councillor Scott 1,519
Majority 281 N/A
Turnout 3,319
Unionist gain from Liberal Swing
Portobello: 14th[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist W. Gray 306
Liberal Alexander Tod 133
Majority 173
Turnout 439
Unionist hold Swing
Portobello: 15th[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Liberal Bailie Brand 274
Unionist J. L. B. Higgin 179
Majority 95
Turnout 453
Liberal hold Swing
Portobello: 16th[1]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Unionist Robert Innes 209
Unionist James Watson 151
Majority 58
Turnout 360
Unionist hold Swing

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The Municipal Elections: Edinburgh". The Glasgow Herald. 3 November 1897. p. 8.