Labour’s Alex Rowley has won the Cowdenbeath by-election, securing a much-increased majority for his party.
Mr Rowley claimed 55.8% of the votes, in an election with a low turnout of under 35%.
The new Labour MSP received 11,192 votes, and a majority of 5,488.
The seat was contested following the death of sitting MSP Helen Eadie in November.
Mr Rowley praised his team for running a “first class” and “positive” campaign and paid tribute to his predecessor as Labour secured an 11.25% swing from the SNP.
He said: “Everyone in Cowdenbeath constituency knew someone who had been helped by Helen Eadie over the years.”For further coverage, see Friday’s CourierMr Rowley added that people had made clear their priorities were jobs and opportunities for young people.
He stressed fighting the “bedroom tax” would be high on his agenda at Holyrood.
The current Fife Council leader had confirmed that he would stand down if elected to Parliament.
His SNP rival Natalia McGarry came second with 5,704 votes, and the Conservatives’ Dave Dempsey was third with 1,893.
UKIP’s Denise Baykalbeat the Lib Dem candidate Jade Holden to claim fourth position.
Full result:
Alex Rowley (Lab) 11,192 (share 55.79%, +9.33%) Natalie McGarry (SNP) 5,704 (28.43%, -13.17%) Dave Dempsey (C) 1,893 (9.44%, +2.45%) Denise Baykal (UKIP) 610 (3.04%) Jade Holden (LD) 425 (2.12%, -1.77%) Stuart Graham (Victims) 187 (0.93%) James Trolland (SDA) 51 (0.25%)
Lab maj 5,488 (27.36%) 11.25% swing SNP to Lab Electorate 57,687; Turnout 20,062 (34.78%, -12.51%)