Labour Win Inverclyde By Election

Labour's Iain McKenzie has won the Inverclyde seat at the by-election to replace MP David Cairns who died in May.

Mr McKenzie won the seat with 15,118 votes - but with a greatly reduced majority of just 5,838 following a strong challenge from the SNP.

Former MP David Cairns, whose death in May prompted the by-election, had a comfortable majority of 14,416.

The SNP's Anne McLaughlin won 9,280 votes; Conservative candidate David Wilson claimed 2,784; Liberal Democrat Sophie Bridger took 627 and Ukip's Mitch Sorbie 288.

In his victory speech, Mr McKenzie said: "First can I say this is an election none of us wanted.

We would have much preferred that our dear friend, and widely respected MP David Cairns was still among us and still selflessly serving the people of Inverclyde as he did for 10 years before he was tragically taken from us.

Can I say I'm enormously humbled to be elected to succeed David, and continue his work, standing up for our communities, fighting for fairness and opportunities for our people?

Make no mistake. This was a good night for Inverclyde - and a good night for Labour too.

I'm proud to be part of the Labour Party, renewing itself under the leadership of Ed Miliband, listening more, working harder and challenging for better, to get back in touch with those we seek to serve.

And I'm proud that my community of Inverclyde has paid an important step in Labour's mission to win back the trust of the people both here in Scotland and south of the border.

Remember, only weeks ago the SNP came within 511 votes of winning here, but tonight the voters of Inverclyde have rejected them - this time giving myself and the Scottish Labour Party not a 500 majority, but over 5,000 of a majority.

Labour's fightback has started right here in Inverclyde - my hometown.''