ALBA'S two councillors who were elected five years ago as SNP candidates were unceremoniously routed.

In a humiliating result in Ward 5, rookie Liberal Democrat man John Burleigh polled more first preference votes than Alba's Chris McEleny — a former SNP group leader.

Mr McEleny — whose father Jim was also defeated — was philosophical about the humbling verdict of the local electorate and spoke of his pride at his achievements whilst in office.

He told the Telegraph: "I have been an elected representative of the people for the majority of my adult life.

"I am very proud of the achievements I've been able to help our community achieve during this time.

"When first elected my proposals for free school meals for all were described as pet projects, and people said it wasn't possible to put £500 in the pockets of our poorest households.

"But these are now mainstream policies that will help the lives of people in years to come, especially right now in the midst of this Westminster cost of living crisis.

"There is an endless list of things worse in life than losing an election.

"I see this every single day and I am humbled by the tenacity on display by members of the community.

"I am very proud of our Alba candidates in Inverclyde, particularly my father.

"We may not have made the breakthrough that we had hoped for but I am confident that for as long as Scotland is handcuffed to the calamities of Westminster, and Alba are the only party setting out a plan and a vision for the necessity of Scotland's independence as an immediate priority, then there will be a much needed space in the political sphere of Scottish politics."