Ronnie Cowan of the SNP has been re-elected as Inverclyde’s MP with a vastly increased majority.

Mr Cowan attracted around 7,500 more votes than second-placed candidate Martin McCluskey. In the 2017 Westminster election, Mr Cowan had a majority of less than 400.

Reflecting on the results, Inverclyde Chamber President, Gavin McDonagh said:

“Inverclyde Chamber’s network comprises members with diverse political views and we maintain a neutral stance with regards to elections and referenda, including the possibility of a second vote on Scottish independence.

“We acknowledge the SNP’s success in the general election and congratulate all those who have been elected or re-elected to parliament from all political parties.

“We now urge those elected members to get back to the business of governing. For too long businesses have been crying out for stability and visibility on those aspects that are essential to getting our economy back to growth, such as, infrastructure and financial investment, skills development, and ensuring Scotland can benefit from flexible immigration policies to ensure that we have access to talent to grow our economy. 

“We need the new UK government to immediately address issues such as the trade tariffs which are hammering key Scottish food, drink and manufactured exports.

“Now more than ever we need our leaders at Holyrood and Westminster to get behind the needs of the economy to ensure that Scotland remains prosperous for all.“

Scottish Chambers of Commerce CEO, Dr Liz Cameron OBE said:

“The Scottish Chambers of Commerce extends our congratulations to the Conservative Party for winning the election. Now the campaigning is done, the real work of government must begin and accelerate. 

“For too long, the needs of businesses and the economy have been left on the back burner while parliamentarians have served up a hot mess. The lack of uncertainty over Brexit has caused untold damage to the economy because it has discouraged businesses from investing. Political focus has been on parliamentary mathematics, not on the business of supporting the economy and employers.

“Now we have a government and, perhaps, a plan, we need them to get down to the basics of economic support creating an environment which is fit for business. We expect the focus to be heightened on infrastructure investment and the development of our talent. 

“We also need quick answers to international trading arrangements and an immigration policy that is fit for the needs of Scotland and its employers.

“Our Scottish representatives at Westminster need to put the economy of Scotland at the forefront of their minds and in all policy discussions; that means supporting job creation and enabling Scotland to remain ahead of the game in global competitiveness.

“For those who have been elected or re-elected, they would do a complete injustice to the people who have voted them in if they do not ensure they use their voice and votes wisely.”Now more than ever we need our leaders at Holyrood and Westminster, to get behind the needs of the economy to ensure that Scotland remains prosperous for all.”

Inverclyde Results

Scottish National Party – Ronnie Cowan

Votes: 19,295

Vote share: 48.4%

Vote share change: +9.9

Labour – Martin McCluskey

Votes: 11,783

Vote share: 29.5%

Vote share change: -8.0

Conservative – Haroun Malik

Votes: 6,265

Vote share: 15.7%

Vote share change: -5.8

Liberal Democrat – Jacci Stoyle

Votes: 2,560

Vote share: 6.4%

Vote share change: +3.9

Changes are compared with 2017 – turnout was 65.8%.