A SHOCK win in the Irvine West by-election last week left Labour as the biggest group on North Ayrshire Council.

And they are set to start discussions with independent members to decide whether to challenge the SNP for control of the administration.

Louise McPhater is Irvine West’s new councillor after beating SNP’s Robin Sturgeon.

In an upset victory, the Labour candidate narrowly edged Mr Sturgeon - dad of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon - at the sixth stage of the Single Transferable Vote system.

The SNP stalwart amassed 1,164 votes while 1,029 ballots were cast for Mrs McPhater.

But it was Mrs McPhater who claimed the seat, previously held by the SNP’s Ruth Maguire, for Labour in the final stage.

Labour are now the largest party on North Ayrshire Council though the SNP  could continue to govern as a minority administration.

Labour Group Leader Councillor Peter McNamara said: “Our first concern must be for the stability of the council and its ability to continue to deliver services to residents throughout North Ayrshire.

“However, the political reality is that, with our victory in the by-election, the Labour Group is now the largest group on the council. That means there is much to be discussed and we will be immediately instituting talks with the other political groups and the independent councillors. We intend to discuss a variety of options with the aim of coming to a conclusion in due course on the best way forward for the council and for North Ayrshire.”

Only 20 per cent of the Irvine West constituency bothered to vote.

Mrs McPhater said: “I’m overwhelmed. The people out there are the most important thing for me.”

Mr Sturgeon was visibly disappointed after the loss.

He said: “It was a surprise. Our canvas returns looked good.”
Conservative Angela Stephen finished third with 639 votes followed by Socialist Labour’s Bobby Cochrane (131), the Green Party’s Josh McCormick (94) and Lib Dem Nick Smith (48).