Lib Dems Win UK's Largest Constituency, Defeating SNP in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross

David Green of the Scottish Liberal Democrats won Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, the UK's largest constituency, defeating SNP's Maree Todd. The area spans nearly 4,942 sq miles, with significant vote share changes among parties.

Lib Dem Victory in Largest UK Constituency

David Green of the Scottish Liberal Democrats has secured a win in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, the largest constituency in the UK by geographic area.

Green surpassed Maree Todd of the Scottish National Party (SNP), a former Scottish government minister, who finished in second place. Todd had sought re-election as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the area.

Green's background includes extensive experience as a Liberal Democrat staffer, notably working for former leader and Highland MP Charles Kennedy, who passed away in 2015.

Todd's ministerial experience includes serving as minister for drugs and alcohol policy.

In the election, Green received 14,666 votes compared to Todd's 9,574.

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross spans nearly 4,942 square miles, extending from Dingwall to Wick, Thurso, and John O' Groats.

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Bar chart showing the results of the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross seat in the Scottish Parliament with vote share for candidates with more than 1% of the vote: Liberal Democrat 48% up 11.9 points, Scottish National Party 31.4% down 11.7 points, Reform UK 12.8% up 12.8 points, Conservative 3.7% down 10.3 points, Labour 2.9% down 2.6 points. Turnout: 54%

Vote Counting and Additional Contests

Votes for this constituency were tallied at Inverness Leisure, a local sports facility.

Ballots for the constituencies of Inverness and Nairn, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, as well as for the Highland and Islands regional list, are also being counted at the same venue.

Independent Candidate and Political Background

Veteran politician Fergus Ewing is contesting as an independent candidate in Inverness and Nairn.

Ewing has represented the area in various forms since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. However, he has acknowledged that he will not be returning to Holyrood after observing the progress of the vote count.

The seat in Inverness and Nairn has yet to be officially declared.

Fergus Ewing is part of a notable political family, with his mother Winnie, sister Annabelle, and late wife Margaret all being prominent figures within the SNP.

Election Results and Vote Share Changes

The election results in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross show significant shifts in vote shares among parties. The Liberal Democrats increased their vote share by 11.9 points to 48%, while the SNP's share declined by 11.7 points to 31.4%. Reform UK gained 12.8%, Conservatives dropped by 10.3% to 3.7%, and Labour decreased by 2.6% to 2.9%. Voter turnout was 54%.