Unionist vote split helps student Josh end the SNP'S by-election losing streak

A SPLIT in the Unionist vote has helped the SNP end a dismal losing streak in by-elections as fears grow a similar scenario next year could keep the Nats in power.

- By David Walker

Student Josh Martin Fyvie won the Stirling East council by-election for the SNP and, aged 18, becomes one of the youngest elected members in the UK.

The victory will have been a major relief to John Swinney, who campaigned in the ward having suffered eight by-election defeats in a row.

But it was a split in the Unionist vote, and the presence of Reform UK, that paved the way with Mr Fyvie winning just 36.6% of first preference votes.

Labour was second on 23.9% with Reform close behind on 23.3%.