4 November 2011 Last updated at 08:46 ET

Lib Dems win Inverness South by-election

The Lib Dems have won a by-election in Inverness South by seven votes, following a Highland councillor's conviction for benefits fraud.

John Holden was jailed for a year in August after being found guilty of falsely claiming £43,000 in benefits.

The 63-year-old, who had represented Inverness South for Labour, denied the charges and is to appeal.

The Lib Dems' Carolyn Caddick won the by-election. The SNP's Ken Gowans took second place.

Labour's Katherine MacKenzie was third.

A recount

Highland Council said the turn out was 26.8% of the potential electorate and the total number of valid votes cast was 2,607.

David McGrath, Independent, was eliminated at the end of stage one, with 94 votes.

His votes were then redistributed and Donald Boyd, Scottish Christian Party Proclaiming Christ's Lordship, was eliminated at the end of stage two with 130 votes.

The Scottish Green's Gale Falconer was eliminated at stage three with 189 votes.

David Bonsor, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, was eliminated at the end of stage four with 339 votes.

Ms Mackenzie was eliminated at the end of stage five with 379 votes.

At the final stage, there was a recount of votes.

Mrs Caddick had 1,091 votes, and Mr Gowans 1,084.