Labour took two seats in Cowdenbeath and the SNP secured one – but the surprise Conservative surge also continued as Darren Watt was elected.
Labour’s Alex Campbell polled the most votes with 2,065 ahead of the SNP’s Alistair Bain with 1,415 and Labour’s Gary Guichan on 1,030.
But the real shock came as Tory Darren Watt secured 1,013 and earned the fourth and final spot ahead of the SNP’s Ann Bain.
Mr Watt said he felt Tory leader Ruth Davidson was a “real inspiration” in his campaign and spoke of his delight.
“When many people told me that their parents would be turning in their grave if they voted Tory, I thought I’d show them that I’d do them and their parents proud,” he said.
“Hopefully I’ve done that and over the next five years I certainly will do that.
“I was brought up in Cowdenbeath and I’ve got a rich family history there.
“It’s a wonderful place and I’m certainly going to do whatever I can to improve that.
“Ruth has been an inspiration to everybody and she certainly proved to me that a man from a working class background can be a Tory and be accepted as a Tory.
“It’s not about looking after the rich, it’s about looking after our communities.”
Labour’s Alex Campbell was delighted to be re-elected with such a sizeable share of the vote.
“It was just hard work and engaging with communities,” he said.
“It’s imperative that you do that as a local councillor.
It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve the community and I’d like to thank everyone who came out to support me on Thursday.”
Result
Alistair Bain (SNP) – 1415
Ann Bain (SNP) – 799
Alex Campbell (Lab) – 2065
Angela Dixon (Green) – 150
Gary Guichan (Lab) – 1030
Elizabeth Riches (Lib Dem) – 101
Darren Watt (Cons) – 1013
Turnout – 40.8%
Total votes – 1315
Elected – Alistair Bain, Alex Campbell, Gary Guichan, Darren Watt
