Fife Council election results — Former SNP group leader loses out in Ward 4: Dunfermline South

By Craig Smith

May 5 2017, 12:49pm

Former SNP group leader Brian Goodall was the big casualty in Dunfermline South as the SNP, Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats shared the seats.

Mr Goodall was fourth on the first preference votes but failed in his bid for re-election thanks to the transfer of later preference votes.

Fellow SNP councillor Fay Sinclair came through unscathed, with Ross Paterson elected for Labour.

The Tories continued their good day with David Ross being elected, while James Calder secured the day’s first seat for the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Sinclair was understandably happy to secure re-election but admitted it was a “bittersweet” moment to lose Mr Goodall.

“It’s a great loss for me personally and for the group because ever since I was elected it was Brian who showed me the ropes, so it’s a bitter sweet moment,” she said.

“I’m glad to be back and we fought a strong campaign on local issues.

“But for Brian to lose out on the unionist transfer….it just shows you how polarised politics is at the moment.”

Mr Ross was delighted to be part of the new Conservative cohort on Fife Council, adding: “Undoubtedly, the focus on the second independence referendum has divided the country and it has helped me with the unionist vote.

“But the other thing I would say is that I fought my campaign on local issues. I’ve been elected to a ward where the population has been increasing so I want to ensure there are enough facilities to cater for that.”

Mr Ross could be the second David Ross to sit on the council, along with council and Labour leader David Ross, but the Tory winner joked: “He hasn’t been elected yet, so maybe not!”