David Torrance wins battle to return as Kirkcaldy SNP candidate for Holyrood

He had been challenged by former MP Roger Mullin for the role, along with Dundee councillor Lynne Short. 65.5 per cent.

The selection process has involved a vote by local members, conducted electronically over the course of two weeks, ending today.

Mr Torrance has served as the MSP for Kirkcaldy after wrestling the former Labour stronghold away from Marilyn Livingston in 2011.

He then increased his majority by around 4000 votes in 2016.

Mr Mullin had sought to return to politics after a two-year stint as Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP between 2015 and 2017, when he was beaten by Labour’s Lesley Laird.

Mr Torrance said: "I’d like to thank the branch members for their continued support, and the members of the public who have continually over the last 12 weeks sent me messages of support.

"I was overwhelmed by their gestures of goodwill and positivity.

"I am humbled by the vote of confidence once again and I will do my utmost to repay their faith by winning the seat in 2021.

"And I look forward to finishing the job by helping to put us on the road to winning independence.”