Edinburgh is set for fresh by-elections after two SNP councillors resigned from the City of Edinburgh Council following their successful election to Holyrood last month. The departures create vacancies that are expected to trigger political competition as parties seek to strengthen their presence in the capital.

Kate Campbell, who was elected to represent Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent, and Simita Kumar, newly elected for Edinburgh South Western, had originally intended to continue serving in both their council and parliamentary roles. However, both have now stepped down from their local government positions.

Their resignations mark another shift in Edinburgh’s political landscape, with local parties preparing for upcoming contests that could influence the balance of representation within the council. Attention is now turning to when the by-elections will be scheduled and which candidates will emerge to contest the seats.

The upcoming votes are expected to attract significant political interest as parties look to capitalise on the vacancies and test voter sentiment following the recent Holyrood elections.