Election Results

2 minutes ago
2 min read

The results of the Scottish elections were a hugely positive moment for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, and that was absolutely evident here in North East Fife (or Fife North East, as the Holyrood seat is now known as). I was delighted to see Willie Rennie returned as MSP for North East Fife with an increased majority (a doubling of his vote in 2021), which demonstrates support across all of our communities. As we campaigned together on polling day, we were hugely grateful for the good wishes that we received.

Having both a Liberal Democrat MP and MSP representing North East Fife means that we can continue to work together closely. As always, we will work with other representatives on a cross party basis. A good example of this is our continued support for a new Newburgh Railway Station and the determined community campaign driving it. As Willie outlined in his acceptance speech, we know that too many people feel disengaged from politics. Although I’m encouraged by the fact that turnout in Fife North East was markedly higher than in other Fife seats, I know that, as politicians, we need to show by our words and deeds that we take the loss of trust in politics seriously and that we will act to counter it.

The elections also showed encouraging progress for the Scottish Liberal Democrats across the country. As Chair of the campaign, I was delighted to see the party make significant progress in the Highlands, as well as in the South of Scotland, Edinburgh and Mid Dunbartonshire. I took part in a number of the hustings arranged to hear from parties about their manifestos, including the Mid Scotland Fife National Farmers Union of Scotland, and the Food and Drink Federation. The concerns raised chimed heavily with my own casework, and it’s clear that as I return to London that the UK Government need to reflect on the high cost burden currently being felt by businesses.

As I write this, it’s clearly a very unsettled time in Westminster. There is a prospect of a King’s Speech being delivered by a Prime Minister who will soon no longer be in office, and a Labour Party that has been severely chastened in election results across the UK and is now turning in on itself.

Meantime, Willie and I will continue to do what we do. Working hard for every part of North East Fife, standing up for local communities, and making sure our area’s voice is heard loudly both in Edinburgh and Westminster.