'No regrets', says Paul Masterton after defeat to SNP

The Conservative man lost his seat to his SNP rival as his vote dropped by just under five per cent from 2017. 

Ms Oswald claimed 44.7 per cent of the vote - larger than her share in 2015 - as Labour finished third and the Liberal Democrats in fourth. 

READ MORE: SNP MP Kirsten Oswald says East Renfrewshire has 'loudly' rejected Brexit

Speaking after the vote, Mr Masterton said he had "no regrets" over his time in office. 

It is widely believed Mr Masterton's decision to support Brexit and prime minister Boris Johnson's withdrawal agreement fell flat with many votes in East Renfrewshire, which overwhelmingly backed Remain in the EU referendum. 

Mr Masterton said: "A huge congratulations to Kirsten and her team. This election proved we can have campaigns that are good natured and hard fought but always with mutual respect.

"We are now in a score draw against each other but I am not sure I will be back for best two out of three.

"I am sure Kirsten and her team will be back and doing a fantastic job.

Victor Kirsten Oswald (centre) takes a selfie with supporters as they revelled in the election result

"I am so proud of what we have achieved over the last two and a half years.

"We have helped so many people who have come to us in need and in desperate times.

"I have loved every second that I have been MP for the area.

"I have no regrets of anything over the last two and a half years and I would like to thank the people of East Renfrewshire who put their trust in me.

READ MORE: SNP win East Renfrewshire as Kirsten Oswald reclaims seat over Tories

"I am sorry they didn't do so again although I understand why and I wish everyone in this area a wonderful life.

"It really is a fantastic place."

The Barrhead News will continue to have the best analysis and reaction to the General Election 2019 over the coming days.