Conservatives hold Galloway

CONSERVATIVES have beaten off the threat from Reform and the SNP to hold the Galloway and West Dumfries seat. Finlay Carson has been re-elected as MSP for the constituency, with 11,502 votes. His majority fell from 2635 last time to 1599 this time. Loud cheers greeted the announcement in the Easterbrook Hall. Speaking on the stage just now, an emotional Mr Carson said: "This is the biggest honour I could ever have. To serve for a further five years really is the biggest honour. "The result today shows we have rejected the policies of Reform and the SNP." Runner up was Emma Harper SNP on 9903; Reform's Senga Beresford polled 4674; Jack McConel for Labour got 2544 votes; and it was 1380 for Lib Dem Tracey Warman. Voter turnout was 51.9%.