COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing has welcomed the election of the three SNP councillors in this area.

Commenting on the results of the local council elections, Ms Ewing MSP, said: “I am absolutely delighted that there has been an increase in the number of SNP councillors within my constituency, that the SNP has more councillors across Fife than ever before and that, for the first time ever, the SNP has become the largest party on Fife Council.

“Many congratulations to Alice McGarry and Ali Bain on their re-election and to new councillors David Barratt, Samantha Steele, Lea McLelland and Rosemary Liewald."

She added: “Every election has its downs as well as its ups and I want to offer my commiserations to Ann Bain and Sharon Wilson, but I commend them for the excellent service they have given to their local communities.

“Results across the country and here in Fife show the Labour Party continuing its downward slide and while the Tories have made gains and won the election in England, Scotland has once again made its voice heard against the Tories’ hardline policies and austerity agenda.

“This election proves that it is only the SNP that can take on and stand up to the Tories at the General Election in June.”