Newly-elected East Kilbride West Councillor Kirsty Williams has described her win as a "sensational" result for Scottish Labour.
The party topped the poll in Thursday's East Kilbride West by-election, securing over 40 per cent of first preference votes.
This is Labour’s best result in the ward since 2010 – and the worst result for the SNP since East Kilbride West was created.
Commenting on her election, Councillor Williams said: “I am delighted to have been elected as Scotland’s newest councillor and I am immensely grateful to everyone who made it possible.
“This is a sensational result for Scottish Labour – our best in years in East Kilbride. It is a clear sign people want change in their communities and in their lives and they are trusting Labour to deliver the change we need.
“I will do my best to repay the trust that has been placed in me. Whether you voted for me or not, I am elected to serve the whole community and I look forward to doing so in the years to come.”
The election was held after SNP councillor Ali Salamati stepped down and saw a swing of 14 per cent, with the SNP dropping to third place behind the Tories on first preferences.
Williams was elected with 1386 of first preference votes - up by 14 per cent on last year's council elections.
Tory candidate Bill Dorrian came second on 26 per cent, a rise of six percentage points, with 904 first preferences.
The SNP's Robert Gillies won 778 or 23 per cent, down from 31 per cent in 2022.
Just 26 per cent of those registered turned out to vote.
A spokesperson for South Lanarkshire Labour Group said: “This is a stunning result for Kirsty Williams. Voters have chosen someone who will bring real-life experience from frontline social work and the voluntary sector to the council. She will be a first-class councillor for East Kilbride West.
“This is a resounding vote of confidence in the Labour-led Administration in South Lanarkshire and an enormous rejection of SNP council cuts and cover-up culture.
“We look forward to working with Kirsty to improve the lives of people in East Kilbride West and to argue for the fair share of investment our local services really need.”
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