DUNFERMLINE and Dollar’s new MP said it was the “privilege” of his life to be selected as the new constituency’s first representative in Westminster.
Scottish Labour’s Graeme Downie replaced outgoing SNP MP Douglas Chapman after securing a total of 20,336 votes.
The SNP’s Naz Anis-Miah came in second with 12,095 votes while Conservative Thomas Heald was third with 3,297.
Next was Liberal Democrat Lauran Buchanan-Quigley with 3,181 votes, Reform UK’s Udo Van Den Brock had 2,887, Green’s Ryan Blackadder had 2,078, Independent Graham Hadley had 324, Scottish Family party candidate Danny Smith had 251 and independent George Morton secured 88 votes.
READ MORE: Labour victories for West and Central Fife and Clacks seats
There was a turnout of 61,35 per cent ¬- 44,677 votes were cast from an electorate of 72,824. From the votes, 140 were rejected.
Speaking after the results were announced, Mr Downie thanked his family and had a word for his predecessor Douglas Chapman who stepped down from the previously named Dunfermline and West Fife seat which he had occupied since 2015.
“I thank my fellow candidates as well as Douglas Chapman who served the constituency with commitment and dignity at all times,” he said.
“I want to thank the voters of Dunfermline and Dollar. It is the privilege of my life to stand as your MP.
“I will work hard for everyone . I will work with anyone to improve the lives of people in this constituency working with any parties and any others.
“The UK has a Labour Government for the first time in 14 years. That Labour government is going to transform Scotland and going to transform the UK.”
Mr Downie said priorities he will work for include economic sustainability, cheaper bills and opportunities for young people.
"There isn’t a magic wand and problems will take time to fix but we must start this work now,” he said.
“I want to get on with the job that you have sent me to Westminster to do. Thank you very much.”
Mr Downie said it had been “absolutely incredible” to be elected after a long campaign.
“I think what you have seen is by working together and giving people a positive message about what the future can look like,” he told the Press.
“People have responded to that on the doors.
“We can change the UK and there are huge benefits to people of Dunfermline and Dollar.
“A lot of the issues I have campaigned as a councillor I will continue. Trying to make sure there are jobs at Longannet, trying to support Rosyth Dockyard, making sure Dunfermline city delivers and not forgetting West Fife villages and Dollar.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel