ELECTION officials in Inverclyde say they are well prepared for June’s general election – the second major in poll in as many months.

Council chief executive and returning officer Aubrey Fawcett, pictured, admits it was a surprise when the snap vote was called by Theresa May in April.

The Westminster election will happen on June 8, just five weeks after the local authority poll.

Mr Fawcett says the council vote was a huge success and he is confident things will go just as smoothly next month.

He said: “The announcement of the general election came as something of a surprise but we are well placed and well prepared to ensure all goes smoothly.

“Although we will be running a simple majority ballot to decide our Member of Parliament the process is a meticulous one to ensure every single vote is counted.

“I am sure my election team will deliver what is expected and the people of Inverclyde can vote in confidence.”

The election chief heaped praise on council staff and partner agencies for their help at the local government poll and count in the Waterfront Leisure Centre.

Nearly 30,000 ballot papers were validated and counted as 22 councillors were elected to represent seven wards on Inverclyde Council by the single transferable vote system.

Mr Fawcett said: “I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone involved for their hard work and professionalism, both in the run-up to the election, during the poll and at the count itself.

“The lessons learned and teamwork from previous elections stood us in good stead and everyone played their part and conducted themselves superbly.

“I would also like to thank Inverclyde Leisure for providing us with first class facilities and for the support provided by Police Scotland throughout the day at polling places and at the counting centre.”