Scotland’s newest MSP made his victory celebration a family affair and promised his constituents that he would work hard to address local issues at Holyrood.
Alex Rowley hugged his father, former councillor William, and thanked him for his guidance just hours after winning the Cowdenbeath by-election for Labour.
Surrounded by campaigners and supporters, Scottish party leader Johann Lamont joined Mr Rowley for the celebration at the Ore Valley Business Centre in Lochgelly.
Speaking of his pride at being elected, Mr Rowley told The Courier: “I lost my mum last year and that was difficult.
“My dad was a councillor in Kelty for many years and the first thing that they told me was that you should always be proud that people voted for you.
“I have been asked to work hard by a lot of people and that is what I intend to do.”
Despite a turnout of just 35%, Mr Rowley effectively quadrupled Labour’s margin of victory over the SNP, taking 11,192 votes.
Conservative candidate Dave Dempsey secured a solid third, taking 1,893 votes, with UKIP finishing fourth, ahead of the Liberal Democrats.
Stuart Graham of the Victims Final Right Party and James Trolland from the Scottish Democratic Alliance completed the ballot.
Commenting on his campaign, Mr Rowley added: “People have genuine concerns about jobs and local opportunities.
“There are too many young people going through the education system without skills and qualifications to get work.”
Addressing his campaign team, Mr Rowley also paid tribute to previous MSP Helen Eadie who died in November after being diagnosed with cancer.
Promising to build on her legacy, he said: “We set out a positive campaign setting out a Labour future for this constituency and the future of Scotland.
“Helen Eadie was someone who believed in equality and ensuring that we tried to address that and that is certainly something I want to do as MSP for this constituency.”
Ms Lamont said: “This is yet another important stage for Labour and it is wonderful when you see people put their trust in us (and) we will repay that trust.”