Labour candidate Ian Hellyer emerged victorious in the Inverclyde West by-election, securing 932 “first preference” votes to beat his SNP, Conservative, Alba, and Reform UK rivals. This win means Labour maintains their hold on the Gourock council seat, previously vacated by Martin McCluskey.
Under the proportional voting system, Hellyer was elected at stage 5 of the counting process. Labour now holds eight seats on Inverclyde Council, two more than the SNP. Hellyer, a former police officer with a background in community policing, pledged to be a voice for Gourock residents and work towards improving the town’s coastline, green spaces, and safety measures.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar supported Hellyer’s campaign, making multiple visits to Gourock to endorse the candidate. Hellyer’s election adds to the diversity of voices representing Inverclyde West, alongside SNP politician Sandra Reynolds and independent councillor Lynne Quinn.