Ian Hellyer (Scottish Labour Party) has been elected as a councillor to represent Inverclyde West (Ward 5) following a by-election.

Voters took to the polls yesterday, Thursday 7 November 2024, and the winning candidate was announced after ballots were counted and verified at Greenock Town Hall this morning, Friday 8 November 2024.

Councillor Hellyer replaces former councillor Martin McCluskey who resigned in September.

Turnout for the election was 31.4 per cent.

The candidates and votes they each received were: 

• John Stuart Bennet Burleigh – Reform UK   230
• Ian Hellyer – Scottish Labour Party  932
• Robert Kirkpatrick – Scottish National Party (SNP)  923
• Christopher William McEleny – Alba Party  239
• Ted Runciman – Scottish Conservative and Unionist  415

The total number of first preference votes was 2,739.

The results and further information about the by-election are available on the Inverclyde Council website at www.inverclyde.gov.uk/election