Lib Dems first ever party elected to Edinburgh Northern with huge majority 

Commenting as she was elected as the new MSP for the constituency of Edinburgh Northern, winning the seat with a majority 2,493, Sanne Dijkstra Downie said: 

“It is a huge honour to be elected the first MSP for the brand-new constituency of Edinburgh Northern. 

“Over many months, I have been supported by the dedication of so many Lib Dems, and I am extremely grateful to my extraordinary campaign team, family, friends and colleagues. 

“For the first time ever, people across North Edinburgh will be represented in parliament by a Liberal Democrat. I want to thank every single person who placed their trust in me.

“This result would not have been possible without the hard work of exceptional Lib Dem councillors across the constituency. My challenge now is to continue Alex Cole-Hamilton’s work in those parts of the seat he has represented so diligently over the past ten years. 

“As it has done for so many others, this city had given me the chance to build a life and a family; today, it has given me the chance to give something back. 

“The hard work starts now, and I am ready for it.” 

Scottish Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton said: 

“I have no doubt that Sanne will be an incredible MSP for everyone in Edinburgh Northern. She is an exceptional local councillor and she will be one to watch in the Scottish Parliament. 

“This is a new seat we have never held before. Last time, in Edinburgh Northern and Leith, we got 2,000 votes, while the SNP got 22,000, so this is an absolutely brilliant result for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. It demonstrates that the city of Edinburgh is firmly a Lib Dem-SNP battleground.

“Sanne's victory goes to show that no matter where you live in Scotland, you can have a Liberal Democrat MSP who will fight your corner and deliver change with fairness at its heart.”