Peter Grant was a relieved man this morning after the SNP candidate successfully defended his Glenrothes seat.
However, he was returned to Westminster with his majority slashed from almost 14,000 to just over 3,000 from Labour’s Altany Craik.
“I feel very privileged to have been returned for Glenrothes and Central Fife.” he said.
“I was very aware the first time I stood that a lot was on what I was able to promise.
“This time I’ve been judged on what I’ve delivered on much less time than I expected.
“I’ve held on to a seat that up until two years ago nobody thought Labour could possibly lose.
“From a personal point of view and from my campaign team I’m pleased to have been re-elected.”
Reflecting on the national picture, Mr Grant said that the the loss of some SNP seats could have serious implications for Scotland’s relationship with Europe.
“We’ve lost some very, very good people,” he continued:
“It remains to be seen but I don’t think the people that will replace them will have the stature among our European neighbours and that can’t be good for Scotland.
“If Scotland’s voice is weakened at this uncertain time, the result for Scotland could be very, very poor.
Mr Grant saw his vote drop from 28,459 in 2015 to 17,291.
However, Labour’s vote actually dropped by several hundred, while the Conservative candidate Andrew Brown gained more than 4,000 votes.
Turnout dropped from 68,29% in 2015 to 60.62%
Result:
Rebecca Bell (Lib Dem) – 1,208
Andrew Brown (Conservative) – 7,876
Altany Craik (Labour) – 14,024
Peter Grant (SNP) – 17,291
