The newly elected councillor for West Fife and Coastal Villages has said that she will “now serve everyone in the ward with the very best of my ability.”

Karen Elizabeth Beaton for Scottish Labour won the by-election which took place yesterday (Thursday, November 28).

After the announcement, councillor Beaton said: “Thanks to the returning officer and all of the staff working to facilitate this election.

“I’d like to thank all of the other candidates who have worked very hard in this campaign.

“I will now serve everyone in the ward with the very best of my ability.”

Karen Beaton is the newly elected councillor.Karen Beaton is the newly elected councillor. (Image: Karen Beaton) READ MORE: Labour hold West Fife and Coastal Villages seat in by-election

The election was very close, with the first preference votes for each of the candidates as follows:

Karen Beaton, Scottish Labour: 881

Paul Steele, SNP: 879

David Ross, Scottish Conservative and Unionist: 426

Paul Buchanan Quigley, Scottish Liberal Democrats: 227

Fiona McOwan, Scottish Greens: 121

George Morton, Independent: 64

Daniel Smith, Scottish Family Party: 53

Cllr Sam Steele, SNP councillor for the West Fife and Coastal Villages ward, and wife to Paul Steele who came a very close second in this by-election, told the Press that they are “naturally disappointed” but that she is “looking forward to working with Karen.”

Sam Steele says she and husband Paul are naturally disappointed.Sam Steele says she and husband Paul are naturally disappointed. (Image: Fife Council) Karen now replaces Graeme Downie who left his role as a councillor in the ward after he was elected MP for Dunfermline and Dollar in the July general election.

She will join fellow councillors Sam Steele and Cllr Conner Young of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party for the ward.

Voter turnout for the by-election was 19.8%.