Following the momentous results achieved across Scotland by the Conservatives, local West Lothian Conservative Candidates have reflected both on the campaign and their results.
A spokesman for the West Lothian Conservative and Unionist Association stated; “It was a pleasure to work with both Stephanie Smith and Charles Kennedy, their commitment to West Lothian was inspiring and whilst the campaign and in particular the popularity and appeal of Ruth Davidson to the electorate was a major factor, the great result achieved in both constituencies was due to the hard work of Charles and Stephanie”.
Charles Kennedy said, “It has been a long campaign which started last September with street stalls to mark the first anniversary of Scotland voting emphatically to remain in the UK”. “Following that I joined my fellow Lothian candidates, including Ruth Davidson in campaigning across the Lothians.”
“It was obvious at the time, judging by the feedback we received on the doorsteps, that our message was the right one; people wanted the SNP held to account, they wanted a strong opposition, they wanted the question of independence put away and the majority who voted for the Union wanted to be represented.”
“That is what the Scottish Conservatives said they will do and I know they will, led by Ruth Davidson who has led this campaign from the front.”
“To see Ruth campaigning in the streets of Livingston, engaging with the electorate and taking time to listen to their concerns, was motivating to all of us within West Lothian Conservatives”.
“I am proud that we achieved an increase of 12.3% in the Linlithgow Constituency from the 2011 election and to get 20% of the vote is now a springboard for greater things”.
“It is not just the result that gives me pride however, as Chairman of West Lothian Conservatives I am equally proud of the achievements of Stephanie Smith and of the hard work put in by so many of our local Association members”. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank them all and to encourage others to get involved with West Lothian Conservatives”.
Stephanie Smith added, “To get a 9.1% increase for Almond Valley Constituency, compared to the 2011 election is beyond my wildest expectations”. “Even though I knew we were getting the right message out, more and more people were telling me they were going to vote Conservative for the first time, what has been achieved in West Lothian, like the rest of Scotland is fantastic”.
“I was delighted that the result in Almond Valley helped the Conservatives get a third list seat in the Lothians along with Ruth Davidson’s fabulous outright win in Edinburgh Central”. “Four Conservative Lothian MSPs is an outstanding result”.
“This result has shown what the public want and I have no doubt that the 31 Scottish Conservative MSPs will hold the SNP to account, they will be a strong opposition and Scotland will be better off for this”.
“Across West Lothian over 13,000 people voted for the Scottish Conservatives and this is certainly exciting times for our Party”.
“I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and for the Scottish Conservatives on the regional vote.” “Your votes made a difference and I trust you will stay behind the Conservatives and together we can go on to even greater things”.
“Also wish to thank all those in the West Lothian Conservative and Unionist Association who made this result possible, it was a fantastic achievement!”.