Edinburgh West: SNP take from Lib Dems

THE SNP won Edinburgh West from the Lib Dems by a majority of over 3000.

Michelle Thomson. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Victor Michelle Thomson said the new contingent of SNP MPs would pursue progressive policies for the benefit of Scotland and the rest of the UK.

She said: “The shape of UK politics has changed. No longer will it simply shift between the two dominant parties.

“As well as a beginning this also marks an end - the end of the austerity agenda and relentless cuts to the benefits of our most vulnerable people and ane end to freezing Scotland’s voiced out of Westminster.”

Defeated MP Mike Crockart said: “I’m very disappointed, but this is democracy. I have been incredibly proud to have swerved the constituencts of Edinburgh West over the past five years. It has been an immense privilege and an honour and I have tried to be a strong and principled representative for all of my constituency”

He congratulated his successor but his voice broke with emotion as he thanked his family for their support.

Mr Crockart had been MP since the last election in 2010, but the seat had been in Lib Dem hands since 1997.