BARRHEAD’S new SNP councillor has vowed to listen to the town’s residents in a bid to fully understand their needs.

Angela Convery was elected in what was her first-ever experience of a local election, taking the seat of fellow party member Tommy Reilly.

Despite early indication polls predicting a positive outcome for the SNP newcomer, councillor Convery insisted she couldn’t bear to pay them any attention – and she’s glad she didn’t.

Speaking to the Barrhead News after her win, councillor Convery said: “I’m still in shock. It’s quite surreal.

“I refused to look at that TV that gives you the bar chart. People kept saying to me ‘It’s looking good’.

“I just didn’t want to count my chickens before they were hatched.

“I feel dazzled but it’s a case of listening to the residents. It’s not what I think they need – I need to find out what they need.

“I was born in Barrhead and I like to think that I know what the people are looking for.”

She added: “I’ve made sure that I’ve been visible all the way through the campaign.

“I’ve tried to cover everywhere, so it’s obviously paid off and people obviously believed in me. I feel quite humbled by it.

“I’m not going to guess what they need and start doing things. I want to find out what their priorities are. It’s not about me, it’s about the residents.”

Ms Convery is joined by Conservative politician Paul Aitken as a new Barrhead councillor.

While the pair may hold very different political views, the Barrhead woman has pledged to co-operate fully with her fellow councillors to achieve the best results for those living in her ward.

When asked for her views on Barrhead residents electing the town’s first Conservative representative in 25 years, she said: “I don’t know him at all. I’ve never spoken to him, so it is what it is.

“We’re all in the same boat, we’re going to have to work together now. We’re all working for the same thing: the needs of the residents of Barrhead, Liboside and Uplawmoor.”