Arran by-election victor thanks candidates and voters

And he promised to fight for all constituents as his win helped Labour take their council representation up to 11 – just one behind the SNP, who did not field a candidate.

The newly-elected Mr Currie said: “Thanks to my fellow candidates who throughout this campaign have treated each other with respect.

“I would like to thank my agent Joe Cullinane and his team from the Labour party in North Ayrshire for all the hard work they have done to get us this seat.

“I hope to serve all of Arran as the councillor for Arran.”

Winner Charles Currie (Image: Contributed) It marked the party’s second by-election triumph in a row following Mary Hume’s triumph in Kilwinning in May.

Mr Currie, a former West Sound broadcaster, picked up an impressive 748 first preference votes.

But it was a disaster for Labour’s bitter rivals, the Tories, as McKenzie Smith polled only 90 votes, finishing third last.

Two other islanders, Jim McMaster (Independent) and Neil Wilkinson (Scottish Greens) polled strongly as they were second and third with 402 and 340 votes respectively.

Carole Thomson of Reform UK received a total of 55 votes and Matt Taylor (Lib Dems) came in rock bottom with 12 votes.

The election was called following the resignation of Conservative councillor Timothy Billings, who announced he was leaving the island earlier this year.