LABOUR has retained its hold on West Dunbartonshire with candidate Gemma Doyle winning the overall majority.

Labour won with 25,905 votes with a 17,408 majority (61.3 per cent).

Speaking after her victory was announced Ms Doyle said: "My first task as MP is to tackle this issue of cuts and charges across the area.

"The threat to our people is serious and I'm not sure people are fully aware of exactly what's happening.

"I am meeting people who are working all over the council who are unhappy with what is going on - the campaign against that starts now.

"I thank John McFall - he has been outstanding for this area and served it with dedication and distinction.

"He has also done an amazing job of supporting me in my election campaign." Labour had a 51.9 per cent majority in the last election in 2005, with John McFall who retired last month, meaning that it gained 9.4 per cent more votes this time round.

Runner up is SNP candidate Graeme McCormick with 8,497 votes - 20.1 per cent of the votes.

This is 1.6 per cent down on 2005.

Helen Watt of the Liberal Democratics was next with 3,434 votes - 8.12 per cent of the vote.

Conservative candidate Martyn McIntyre followed with 3,242 votes - 7.67 per cent of the vote.

Mitch Sorbie (UKIP) won 683 votes - 1.62 per cent and Socialist Labour candidate Katharine McGavigan got 505 votes - 1.19 per cent.