Lib Dem leader doubles his majority in North East Fife
Willie Rennie has kept his seat at Holyrood and increased his hold
Last updated 8th May 2021
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has retained his constituency seat, and almost doubled his majority in the process.
There was a big turnout of 67.84% an increase of 4% from the previous vote five years ago.
The SNP would have been hoping to win the final piece of their constituency puzzle in Fife. Rhuaraidh Fleming for the SNP did increase on the number of votes of previous candidate Roderick Campbell in 2016 — up 14,715 from 11,463.
But the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader gained a whopping 55% of the vote share — receiving 22,163 votes. Willie Rennie doubles his share from 14,928 back in 2016.
And these gains were made at the expose of the Conservatives, who dropped 11% of their vote share, receiving just 2,323 votes in total.
Speaking to Radio Tay News following his victory, Willie Rennie described how it was a huge privilege to be reflected in the constituency he grew up in.
He reflected on the policies that got him elected, and won
"There's people that, perhaps, never voted Liberal Democrat before who backed us this time."
"But no party owns any individual voter, they're allowed to think for themselves, and they thought for themselves this time and they voted Liberal Democrat because we're a positive message, we're a good local action and service and we've made sure we're standing very clearly on the disruptive effects of another independence referendum."
"I'm pleased that they've joined us, and I hope I can return their faith in me."
Here are the full results for the North East Fife constituency seat:
- Rhuaraidh Flemming, SNP - 14,715
- Wendy Helena Haynes, Scottish Labour Party -- 1,056
- Rhona Metcale, Scottish Conservatives -- 2,323
- Willie Rennie, Scottish Liberal Democrats -- 22,163