2011 Holyrood Election Result and Declaration Speech

At circa 2.20am on Friday 6th May, the result of my first ever Election as a Scottish Conservative Candidate was read out.

This was the culmination of lots of work, sweat and shoe leather over the months of campaigning.

The result in full:

Michael McMahon Labour 11,531 46.1% -3.5%
Richard Lyle SNP 10,817 43.3% +14.6%
Mark Brown Conservative 2,117 8.5% -1.8%
Fraser Macgregor Liberal Democrat 530 2.1% -4.4%

Turnout 24,995 44.4 -1664
Majority 714 2.9

This resulted in the Lib Dem Candidate losing his deposit and a narrow win for Michael McMahon. Such was the swell in support of the Nationalists, 2nd place Richard Lyle ended up securing a List Seat at Holyrood.

On my vote, the unscientific calculation used for the 'Notional Vote' suggested that the share had dropped by 1.1%. Whilst disappointing, it was heartening to know that 2,117 people had decided to put faith in me as their Candidate and I thank each and every one of them.

Speaking after the declaration of the result, this is what I had to say:

Can I firstly thank the Returning Officer and his staff and the police involved for the organised way in which today’s election and tonights count has been conducted. I’d also like to thank my opponents in this election – and to coin but a popular election cliché, “It has been a friendly and civilised contest”.

I’d like to thank my Election Agent Henry Mitchell who has been a tremendous support throughout and as a first time Candidate, I couldn’t have had a better mentor.

I’d also like to thank my entire Campaign Team who have been a great sense of encouragement over the last few months.

Now, I don’t want to turn this into my ‘Oscars’ moment but I’d also like to pay tribute to my long suffering Wife, Laura for her understanding and patience over the last few months.

This has been a night of disaster for Labour and the Lib Dems. Their collapse has meant sweeping gains for the SNP.

More than ever Scotland needs a party which will stand up to the excesses of nationalism and bring reality to Scottish politics. That will be the Scottish Conservatives’ task in the months and years to come.

Thank you.