Newly elected East Neuk and Landward Conservative councillor Linda Holt says the outcome of the local elections shows the Tories are back as a force to be reckoned with in Fife.
Ms Holt secured more than 1,500 first preference votes to secure her first seat on Fife Council, becoming the first Conservative councillor in the area for some time.
The Liberal Democrats’ Bill Porteous and the SNP’s John Docherty also gained enough votes to secure their spots after a closely fought election.
But Ms Holt believes her result, along with others across Fife, is proof that the Conservatives must be taken seriously – no matter what form the administration takes.
“This election has been dominated by national issues and it’s realty striking that there are no independents, and that the SNP have taken a real kicking,” she commented.
“What this shows you is that the Conservative voters are back in the East Neuk, and that this is really a Conservative area.
“It’s no longer the Liberal Democrats who dominating the unionist vote in this area, it’s the Conservatives.
“I’m also surprised that the SNP guy John Docherty just got back by the skin of his teeth.
“I did think that the Lib Dems would have been stronger, but it shows you that what’s happening nationally is beginning to have an effect on local politics.
“I’m very grateful to everyone who voted for me and I will do my best to work hard for them on Fife Council.”
Result
Benjamin Bridgman (Green) – 222
John Docherty (SNP) – 703
Rosalind Garton (Lab) – 242
Alistair Gilbert (Lib Dem) – 891
Margaret Harper (SNP) – 634
Linda Holt (Con) – 1506
Bill Porteous (Lib Dem) – 1014
Turnout: 52%
Elected: Linda Holt (Cons), John Docherty (SNP), Bill Porteous (Lib Dems)
