Super Thursday: SNP gain a major target seat

Alex Salmond, the leader of the SNP, has won the seat of Gordon, defeating the incumbent Liberal Democrat candidate with a majority of 2,062. The swing from Lib Dem to SNP was 10.7%.

During his victory speech, Alex Salmond was critical of the dual system of voting in Scotland and the huge numbers of spoilt ballots that resulted. Whether this system will be regarded as a success is anyone's guess, but the high number of spoilt ballots will be an issue in the weeks and months to come.