SNP retains its Cunninghame North seat in Parliamentary election

Speaking to the Banner, Mr Gibson added: “I’m delighted to have been re-elected to serve the people and communities of Arran once again.

“It was heartening to secure more votes across the constituency than my second and third placed opponents combined.

“I thank everyone who voted for me.

“Much work lies ahead, not least ensuring the full redevelopment of Ardrossan Harbour with the reliable and resilient service that the new ferries will bring.”

Labour candidate Matthew McGowan, who finished runner-up to SNP rival Kenneth Gibson paid tribute to his opponent and said that he will continue to speak out on issues affecting residents.

Mr McGowan’s agent, Aaran McDonald said: “We would like to congratulate Kenny Gibson in his re-election. We believe we fought a good fight and ran a campaign based on a positive message.

“We are proud of the campaign we have run but we will continue to work with the people of North Ayrshire. We raised issues like health and social care and put forward positive messaging.

“We want to work with Kenny to get a solution for Ardrossan Harbour and Matt McGowan will continue to be a strong voice for the local community.”

Mr McGowan’s Labour colleague Katy Clark will continue to have a voice in the Scottish Parliament after being elected as a list MSP for the West of Scotland.

Defeated Conservative candidate, Ronnie Stalker, who finished fourth behind Kenneth Gibson, second-placed Matthew McGowan and Reform’s, Mike Mann, said that he would stand again if people wanted him back. Mr Stalker is a North Ayrshire Council member for the Garnock Valley. He said: ““I feel this campaign has helped make me a better councillor because I know a lot more than I did at the start of it.

“The SNP have to focus on big issues like cost of living and social care and have to get our country sorted before starting to talk about independence.

“We have a £4 million black spot in our finances. Kenny Gibson has to work on the ferries and the A737 has to be upgraded- there have been so many accidents. If the people want me back in I will stand at the election next year. We have five councillors in the Garnock Valley from four different parties and we all work together.”

In addition to celebrating retaining his seat as the Cunninghame North MSP, Mr Gibson had further reason to celebrate as his wife, Patricia Gibson, also secured a seat in the Cunninghame South constituency by attracting 11,375 votes, ahead of Labour’s Katy Clark who received 7,208 votes or 24.6 per cent of the share total.

In a pattern repeated across the UK, voter turnout slumped at this year’s elections in comparison to 2021. The Cunninghame North constituency, with 56,614 registered voters, received a 53.3 per cent voter turnout which was a 11.1 per cent decrease since 2021.

Overall, the SNP won the Scottish election by taking 58 of the 129 seats, however, the party did not achieve the required 65 seats to claim a majority. The remaining seats won are as follows: Labour 17; Reform UK 17, Scottish Green 15; Conservative 12; and Liberal Democrats 10.