The new MSP for Glasgow Kelvin has said it is an honour to be the first woman of colour at Holyrood.
Kaukab Stewart won the seat with 14,535 votes. Patrick Harvie (Greens) was second with 9,077 and Labour’s Pam Duncan-Glancy third, 8,605.
Ms Stewart thanked the voters in her acceptance speech.
She said: “To the voters of Glasgow Kelvin, I cannot thank you enough for putting your trust in me.
“We are lucky to have one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in Kelvin and it is without doubt an honour to be elected as the first woman of colour to the Scottish Parliament.
“It has taken too long but to all the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women and girls out there: you too belong in the Scottish Parliament.
“So, whilst I may be the first, I will not be the last.”
She added: “I intend to be a voice for every single person in Kelvin that I have been elected to represent.
“Whether you voted for me or not please know my door is always open.“
She thanked her husband and children for “their endless support and encouragement”.
“I hope you know how much I love you - this would not have been possible without you,” she said.
The new MSP succeeds veteran politician Sandra White who stood down after representing the area.
It has taken too long but to all the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women and girls out there: you too belong in the Scottish Parliament
Kaukab stewart MSP
She said: “I must also thank Sandra White for her decades of public service.
“I am privileged to call you a friend and I wish you the happiest of retirements.”
She added: “Record turnouts combined with the incredible results we have seen across the country over the past 48hrs clearly show that the people of Scotland reject the insular and isolationist policies of the Tory party and instead welcome a positive, open, and inclusive Scotland led by the SNP and Nicola Sturgeon.
“I cannot wait to get to work - helping all Kelvin communities recover from this pandemic and working to help Scotland achieve its independence.”
