INVERCLYDE'S youngest councillor missed yesterday's election result - because he was sitting an exam.

Labour's new 20-year-old representative James McColgan was sitting a test at university while the crucial count took place yesterday.

The University of Glasgow law and politics student, right, told the Tele of his reaction when he found out he had been elected.

Councillor McColgan, of Port Glasgow, told the Tele: "I was shocked to find out I'd been elected when I came out of the exam hall.

"It was my last exam and I couldn't get out of it. Now I can't wait to get started and I'm looking forward to working for the people of Port Glasgow, Kilmacolm and Quarrier's."

The former St Stephen's High pupil claimed the fourth and final seat up for grabs in ward 1, Inverclyde East and has vowed to try and make politics more relevant to the younger generation.

Mr McColgan said: "I'm really happy - over the moon.

"I'm proud to be the youngest councillor and I think it's a good step forward for Inverclyde to have people of all ages, and to have a female on the council too.

"I can help represent the voice of young people and hopefully encourage more young people to participate and become interested in politics.

"I know over the next few years there will be a lot of challenges but I have been out and active in the community working and I will continue to do the very best I can for the area."

The new councillor remained coy on his exam performance, saying he was just glad to finish the academic year.

His ward 1 colleague, Councillor Stephen McCabe, welcomed the new addition to the council chambers.

Mr McCabe said: "I'm delighted to have James McColgan as a fellow councillor - he's a fantastic addition to the team and for the local community."