LABOUR has retaken East Lothian at Westminster, as Martin Whitfield was elected the county's new MP.

Labour had held the East Lothian seat for decades before the SNP's George Kerevan swept to power in 2015.

But even a majority of nearly 7,000 proved not enough for the Nationalists to hold the seat, with Mr Whitfield claiming 20,158 votes to Mr Kerevan's 17,075.

The Conservatives' Sheila Low ran Mr Kerevan close for second place, finishing on 16,540 votes. The Lib Dems' Elisabeth Wilson was fourth with 1,738, while independent Mike Allan polled 367 votes.

Turnout in the county was 70.7 per cent, with 55,935 votes cast.

Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale arrived at the count at the Corn Exchange in Haddington in the closing stages to celebrate with Mr Whitfield and Labour colleagues.

She sang the praises of Mr Whitfield, saying: "Martin is a real local champion. He is a teacher at the [Prestonpans] primary school and chairman of the [Prestonpans] community council. He will put East Lothian first and will represent the interests of the people of the county."

And she added: "The reality is that the SNP vote is crumbling. It has been a bad night for the SNP."

Mr Whitfield said on his election: "People of East Lothian are ready for change. It is an immense privilege to have been elected by them and I look forward to representing them in the future."

While outgoing MP George Kerevan said: "We have had an enjoyable election and enjoyable hustings. It's been a huge privilege to represent East Lothian and I am sorry I could not win this election for my supporters."