THE SNP's momentum showed no signs of slowing as the party took five seats in last night's council by-elections.

Four of those were in Glasgow: Alex Wilson for Craigton, Anna Richardson in Langside, Greg Hepburn for the Calton ward and Eva Bolander for Anderston/City are the city's newest local councillors.

The SNP also held the South Lanarkshire seat vacated by Angela Crawley, councillor for Lanark and Hamilton East.

Councillor Susan Aitken, Glasgow SNP Leader of the Opposition, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank all those who took time from their busy day to vote in yesterday’s contests.

"As the level of government closest to people’s everyday lives, it is crucial that we work to earn the trust of those who we represent.

“Congratulations to the four successful SNP candidates.

"I am sure that each will contribute significantly to representing their constituents, to the work of the council and will enhance the strength of our arguments in debates."

The five contests saw a repeat of the large swings to the Scottish Nationalists seen at the general election and in other recent council by-elections.

However, turnout in the latest polls was as low as 14.5% for Anderston/City in one case and 16.1% in the Calton ward.

In the poll at Glasgow, Langside ward, where the SNP won a seat from the Greens, the swing from Labour to the SNP was 13% and turnout was 21.7%.

At Glasgow, Calton, the SNP held the council seat vacated by Alison Thewliss. Swing from Lab to SNP was 25%, and turnout 16.1%.

At Anderston/City the SNP held the seat. Swing from Labour to SNP was 20% and turnout 14.5%

The SNP also held a seat at Glasgow, Craigton. Swing from Labour to SNP was 21.5% and turnout 21.7%.

Similarly large swings of 20% and 23% from Labour to the SNP were recorded last week in two Aberdeen City Council by-elections, as well as 25% in a North Lanarkshire Council by-election on July 9.

The Aberdeen polls were prompted by the resignation as councillors of Kirsty Blackman, now SNP MP for Aberdeen North, and Callum McCaig, now SNP MP for Aberdeen South.

Thirteen new SNP MPs have stepped down as councillors to focus on their Westminster roles, sparking local by-elections.

Two are set to take place next Thursday at Falkirk, where John McNally is now SNP MP for Falkirk, and North Lanarkshire, where Marion Fellows is now SNP MP for Motherwell & Wishaw.