Glasgow City Council: Hillhead by-election date set

Cllr Malik, a former Glasgow MSP who represented the Hillhead ward on Glasgow City Council, passed away last month at the age of 67. The council has now announced a by-election is scheduled to take place on Thursday, March 7.

Following Cllr Malik’s death, the city’s Labour group paid tribute to his “unwavering dedication” to the Hillhead ward and said his work “championing equality and social justice” had inspired many. Glasgow Labour leader George Redmond said: “Hanzala was a gentleman and always had time for people, passing on practical and sensible advice and making you feel special.

“He gave great service to Glasgow for almost 30 years as a councillor and as a member of the Scottish Parliament.”

Cllr Malik represented Woodlands on Glasgow City Council from 1995 until 2007, when the Hillhead ward was created. He was a councillor for Hillhead from 2007 to 2012 and a Labour MSP for the Glasgow region from 2011 to 2016. At the 2017 council elections, he won a Hillhead seat again and was reelected in 2022.

As well as Cllr Malik, two members were voted in to represent Hillhead at the 2022 election: Cllr Ken Andrew, SNP, and Cllr Martha Wardrop, Greens. Cllr Wardrop picked up the most first preference votes (2,507) followed by Cllr Andrew then by Cllr Malik.

Nomination papers are available from the election office at 40 John Street or at glasgow.govuk/electionsandvoting. Any candidates who choose to stand must return completed papers by no later than 4pm on Monday, February 5.