RESULT: SNP take seat after recount

Speaking after the recount, Mr Kerr said: “The people of the Borders have voted for change. They put trust in me. Together we can build better, fairer, stronger future.”

His nearest rival on the night, Conservative candidate John Lamont, said that he would “continue to represent you [Berwickshire’s constituents] as MSP as best I can.”

Michael Moore, the outgoing Liberal Democrat MP, who admitted at the start of the night’s count that “it is a two-horse race and we’re not in it,” added: “It has been a privilege to serve the Borders for the past 18 years. I never took it for granted.”

The total number of votes cast yesterday was 55,094. The electorate was 74,214. The turnout was 74.24%.

The total number of votes given for each candidate in this constituency was as follows:

·Calum Kerr, Scottish National Party – 20,145 (37%)

·John Lamont, Scottish Conservative and Unionist – 19,817 (36%)

·Kenryck Lloyd-Jones, Scottish Labour Party – 2,700 (5%)

·Michael Moore, Scottish Liberal Democrats – 10,294 (19%)

·Peter Neilson, UK Independence Party – 1,316 (2%)

·Pauline Stewart, Scottish Green Party – 631 (1%)

·Jesse Rae, Independent – 135 (0%)

The SNP majority in the end was 328.

The number of ballot papers rejected and not counted was 56. This can be broken down into the following:

·Want of official mark - 1

·Voting for more than one candidate - 12

·Void for uncertainty - 42

·Writing or mark identifying voter – 1

At the end of the count, which took place at Springwood Park in Kelso, a recount was requested after consultation with the candidates.

Tracey Logan, Returning Officer said: “I’d like to thank all the staff who made sure this election count ran as efficiently and accurately as possible, and for everyone’s patience as the recount took place.”

Green candidate Pauline Stewart thanked her fellow nominees for their conduct of the electoral campaign.

She tweeted this morning: “@calumrkerr @John2Win @MichaelMooreBRS @kenryckbell Thank you all for a positive campaign - have a restful wkend! x”