General election 2024: National success for Labour as Inverclyde result is revealed

LABOUR'S Martin McCluskey has been elected as MP for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire on a night which saw his party storm to a massive majority nationally.

The 38-year-old defeated SNP candidate Ronnie Cowan, who has been the area's MP for the last nine years, with a majority of over 6,000.

Conservative and Unionist candidate Ted Runciman came third in the ballot, despite a strong surge from Reform UK's Simon Charles Wheeler Moorehead.

Counting went on into the early hours of this morning before a declaration was finally made.

Speaking to the crowd at Greenock Town Hall after the result was announced, Martin McCluskey paid tribute to his outgoing SNP rival's 'commitment to Inverclyde' and thanked his own supporters and staff.

He said: "This result here tonight and the results emerging across the country show the deep desire for change.

"People have made the choice to turn the page on 14 years of Tories and deliver a new government led by Keir Starmer that will be focused on the priorities of working people.

"It will be a government that will restore decency and integrity to public life.

He added: "My message tonight to everyone across Inverclyde and Renfrewshire West is this: whether you voted for me or not, I will work every day to serve our communities and to represent your interests."