The Scottish Conservatives won a local authority by-election on Thursday, making them the largest party on Dumfries and Galloway Council.
The triumph in the Annandale North local authority ward by 22-year-old Graeme Tait represents a gain from Labour, and strengthens the party’s position on the council coalition.
It is the first Scottish Conservative by-election gain since the introduction of the new electoral system in 2007 thanks to the election of Mr Tait, a care assistant.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: “This is a fantastic achievement, and it’s great to see the next generation of Scottish Conservatives coming through and being trusted as successful candidates.
We are the true party of localism and the voters have repaid that commitment by strengthening the position of the party in the area. We put forward candidates who are in touch with local concerns and have a track record of working in the community. “
