The Conservatives sprang their first surprise result of the day in Fife as candidate Mino Marekshaw pushed the SNP’s Kate Stewart into third place in ward one.
Labour’s Bobby Clelland was returned in first place with 1,682 votes, but Mr Marekshaw, who lives in North Queensferry, stunned many by securing second spot with 1,186 votes.
Mrs Stewart was also returned as the area’s third and final councillors with 1,084 votes.
Turnout in the area was a very healthy 48.7%, diminishing fears that people might not have been inspired to go to the polls.
“My head’s still a bit of a spin,” Mr Marekshaw admitted after his win.
“I think on the pecking order of wards at central office that this was not high on that list so I think this first report should give us confidence for the other 21 wards in Fife.
“I think on the doorstep almost without exception that if you asked people at the last referendum and they said yes, when you asked them if they wanted another one they said no.
“That message is resonating on the doorstep but doesn’t seem to be resonating on the ears of Holyrood.”
Mr Clelland said he had been very surprised by the rise of the Tory vote.
“I was very shocked,” he said. “I was advised six months ago that this could happen, but I’m very disappointed that we’ve now got a councillor for the area who doesn’t live in the area.
“If you want to represent your community you should be staying in your community.
“I’m just happy that ive had the support of the community in West Fife and Coastal Villages to give another five years.
“I’m looking forward to representing the ward for the next five years and the communities within it, which is the most important thing.”
Result
Aude Boubaker-Calder (Lib Dems) – 360
Bobby Clelland (Lab) – 1682
Suzanne Davies (Lab) – 538
Willie Gavin (SNP) – 990
Martin Keatings (Ind) – 220
Mino Marekshaw (Con) – 1186
Kate Stewart (SNP) – 1084
Jeroen Van Leeuwen (Greens) – 151
Turnout – 48.7%.
Total votes – 6,211
