Getty/Highland CouncilThe SNP candidate running in the final UK constituency to declare its General Election result has conceded that he will not win the seat.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats are expected to take Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire which has suffered a series of delays in releasing the result.
Drew Hendry said he was “obviously disappointed not to be continuing” as the Highland seat’s representative but wished the new MP success in the role.
Angus MacDonald, a Highland councillor, is expected to be confirmed later on Saturday to be the constituency’s new MP.
On Saturday, the LibDems claimed to have taken the seat.
That will come after multiple recounts failed to verify the votes in the constituency. After an initial recount, there was a difference between the verified and counted votes.
They did a second recount and it still did not match, and in fact, the gap was wider.
Drew served as the MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey from 2015 and before that was the leader of Highland Council.
The constituency was subject to a major review and was largely replaced with the seat of Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire.
In a statement released at the weekend, Hendry said he was unable to attend the recount in person due to prior engagements.
“It has been an absolute joy to serve the people of Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey for the past nine years”, he said.
“I am obviously disappointed not to be continuing that representation under the new Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire boundary and wish the new MP every success in his new role.
“People need an MP who will fight for their needs both local and at UK level and during this cost-of-living crisis – they have never needed help and assistance more.
“The second recount is obviously an extraordinary situation that couldn’t have been predicted and it’s frustrating and disappointing that I cannot attend, but I have an unmovable prior commitment.”
Hendry thanked his constituents, his staff, campaign volunteers and his family for their help throughout his time as an MP.
He added: “The council, emergency staff and our local postal workers have been under incredible pressure in this election and my team, and I am thankful for all they have done and for the work they have yet to do.
“To everyone – we have so much to be proud of here in the Highlands. Our region has opportunity in abundance and a fantastic reputation, and I will continue to work with others to realise that potential and improve outcomes for people living and working here.”
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