Collette Stevenson has been elected as MSP for East Kilbride.
Despite an increased turnout, the SNP candidate’s majority was cut, with a five point swing to Labour and their candidate Monique McAdams - however, it was not enough to flip the seat.
Depute Provost of South Lanarkshire, Ms Stevenson polled 21,149 votes to Ms McAdam’s 12,477 for a reduced majority of 8672.
Conservative candidate Graham Simpson came third with 5923 votes, ahead of Lib Dem candidate Paul McGarry on 1217.
Speaking after the result, Ms Stevenson told Lanarkshire Live : “It’s fantastic, a great result, despite the fact the campaign has been relatively flat.
“We’ve had to campaign in a completely different way than we ever have before. It’s been great the response that I’ve received over social media.
“I’m just looking forward getting my teeth into it now and actually getting involved in being an MSP. I’m absolutely delighted.
“For the next five years, it’s about trying to get East Kilbride back on track and trying to make it a more vibrant town going forward.
“The rail line, the dualling and electrification, is going to be amazing as well.
“For me it is about green recovery and trying to engage with businesses, small businesses in particular and medium sized businesses and see how we can start to use more local businesses.
“I’m really looking forward to that and serving the people of East Kilbride.”
It is SNP party policy that politicians can only hold one elected office except in exceptional circumstances.
Ms Stevenson will be standing down as Depute Provost, but a decision on whether she will remain a councillor until the elections in May 2022, is yet to be made.
Full result:
Collette Stevenson (SNP) 21,149, 51.9% (-4.1%)
Monique McAdams (Lab) 12,477, 30.6% (+6.4%)
Graham Simpson (Con) 5923, 14.5% (-2.4%)
Paul McGarry (LD) 1217, 3% ( 0%)
Turnout: 66.6%
