Labour holds off SNP to hold Inverclyde
Labour fends off a challenge by the Scottish National Party (SNP) and holds on to the Westminster seat of Inverclyde – but loses a large slice of its majority.
Iain McKenzie won the seat with 15,118 votes – but with a greatly reduced majority of just 5,838 following a strong challenge from the Scottish National Party.
Former MP David Cairns, whose death last month prompted the by-election, had a comfortable majority of 14,426.
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: “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.”
Mr McKenzie suggested the SNP talked down the community of Inverclyde during the campaign.
He added: “I get angry when I hear people talk down my community. The people who came here asking for our votes, and then suggested they need jabs to get out of Inverclyde, are beneath contempt.”
Mr McKenzie was referring to a controversial Facebook posting by George Adam, MSP for nearby Paisley, who wrote that he would need “jabs” after a visit to Greenock.
