The SNP has secured a further victory in Fife after snatching a seat from Labour in the Dunfermline South by-election.
Candidate Fay Sinclair polled 5,899 votes to join fellow SNP councillor Brian Goodall, Lib Dem councillor Tony Martin and Labour member Billy Pollock to represent the ward which has a population of 22,441.
Labour candidate Andrew Verrecchia took 3,185 votes, while Conservative David Ross secured 1,324 and James Calder from the Lib Dems took 1,041.
A journalist and charity volunteer, Mrs Sinclair lives in the Duloch area of the town with her husband and two young sons.
The 30-year-old replaces Labour MSP Cara Hilton MSP, who recently stepped down from her role as councillor.
Mrs Sinclair’s appointment brings the total number of SNP councillors in Fife Council to 28. Labour still maintains a stronghold with 33 elected members.
She said: “I would like to thank everyone who voted for me as well as all my supporters within the SNP who worked very hard to help with my campaign.
“I would also like to thank my husband Richard who has shown ultimate patience and understanding throughout.”
Mrs Sinclair said she intended to listen to her constituents, identify “the real issues” and proactively seek solutions to them.
“Dunfermline South is my family’s home and through active membership of my local community council, involvement with my residents association, attending and organising local parent and toddler groups and simply being part of the daily school run, I am constantly discussing the issues that affect us all and working to make this area a better place to live and the best place for our children to grow up.
“It is time people in Dunfermline South had a strong voice to stand up for our community on Fife Council.
“As local councillor I will stand against cuts that harm our communities and support Fife families through maintaining the council tax freeze, ensuring the best education for our young people from nursery right through to high school and beyond, and fighting for jobs in the area.”
Result:
James Calder (Lib Dems) – 1,041
David Ross (Conservative) – 1,324
Fay Sinclair (SNP) – 5,899
Andrew Verrecchia (Labour) – 3,185
Turnout: 67.84%.