Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott MSP has congratulated Ashay Ghai on winning the Bearsden South by-election.

Ashay took the seat from Conservatives, beating the Tories by 271 votes. Labour was knocked out in the first round of the count.

newly elected Councillor Ashay Ghai on the campaign trail with Scottish Lib Dem leader Tavish ScottCommenting, Mr Scott said:

"This is fantastic achievement by Ashay Ghai and his local campaigning team, supported by his local MP Jo Swinson. Liberal Democrats beating the Conservatives with Labour humiliated all bodes well for the coming general election.

"People recognise that it is the Liberal Democrats on the side of hard working Scottish families during Labour’s recession, with the Tories only offering tax breaks for the very richest in our society.

"Ashay Ghai will be a local champion for Bearsden South."

Local MP Jo Swinson added:

"I’m delighted Ashay Ghai has won this by-election. There is no sign of a David Cameron bounce in Scotland.

"This is a tremendous boost to the Liberal Democrats as we head towards a general election."

The first preference votes cast were as follows;
Ashay Ghai - Lib Dem - 1110
Rachel Higgins - Con - 1261
Fiona McLeod - SNP - 783
Manjinder Shergill - Lab - 626

After redistribution of the Labour and SNP first preferences the final result was;
Ashay Ghai - Lib Dem - 1770
Rachel Higgins - Con - 1499