SNP win Glenrothes seat in Fife Council by-election

Voters in Glenrothes Central and Thornton went to the polls on Thursday to elect a new councillor following the death of veteran SNP member Ross Vettraino.

By Claire Warrender

April 24 2025, 11:57pm

Candidates congratulate the SNP's Lynda Holton as returning officer Ken Gourlay announces the result. Image: Fife Council

The SNP have swept to victory in a Fife Council by-election.

Lynda Holton took the Glenrothes Central and Thornton seat, previously held for 18 years by veteran SNP councillor Ross Vettraino, who died in February.

Ms Holton secured 790 more first preference votes than Labour’s Maciej Dokurno, who came second, and was elected in the fourth round of transfers.

SNP Glenrothes by-election winner Lynda Holton — Lynda Holton won the Glenrothes by-election in a good result for the SNP. Image: Fife Council

Turnout was low at 24.2%, with 3,050 votes cast.

The result comes nine months after Labour’s Richard Baker won the Glenrothes Westminster seat from the SNP, with a majority of 2,954.

Ms Holton said: “This is a by-election none of us wanted.

“I know my predecessor Councillor Ross Vettraino was highly respected, not only across the political divide but, more importantly, in all the communities of this ward, to whom he was devoted to the very end.

First box of votes opened in the Fife Council Glenrothes by-election — The first votes arrive at Fife House as counting gets under way at the Glenrothes by-election. Image: Fife Council.

Ms Holton said Mr Vettraino set a “gold standard” as a councillor.

And she pledged to meet that standard every day.

‘Determined to deliver on commitments’

Ms Holton also paid tribute to her husband, Fife Council’s SNP leader Craig Walker, saying his support had been invaluable.

And she added: “Finally, and most importantly, I would like to thank the voters of Glenrothes Central and Thornton for the faith they have placed in me.

“I will work hard to represent you all to the best of my ability.”

During the election campaign, Ms Holton pledged to work to preserve local services, including education and childcare.

And she said tackling anti-social behaviour would be a particular focus.

She added: “During this by-election campaign I have committed only to what I can realistically achieve for the residents of this ward and I am determined to deliver on this commitment.”