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NICOLA STURGEON'S Dad has failed in his bid to join his wife and daughter in elected office after losing a council by-election.

Robin Sturgeon, an engineer, has been a prominent member of the SNP and local activist for a number of years.

He was standing in the Irvine West by-election caused by the election of SNP councillor Ruth Maguire as an MSP in May.

(Image: Steve McKendrick)

He was defeated by Louise McPhater of Labour.

The First Minister’s mum Joan Sturgeon is also a councillor for a neighbouring word in Irvine, and as the provost in North Ayrshire.

Ironically, Sturgeon's loss could cost his wife that position, as the leadership of the council is in doubt, with Labour leapfrogging the SNP as the largest party.

Councillor McPhater was elected after the other 5 candidates were knocked out under the STV system.

(Image: Steve McKendrick)

Sturgeon had won the most amount of first preference votes, with 1,164 to 1,029, but he didn’t receive enough secondary votes from supporters of other parties to get over the line.

This morning, the First Minister that she was 'very proud' of her dad's efforts in fighting what MSP Maguire called a positive campaign.

Among Labour activists, there was instant argument about whether Jeremy Corbyn's leadership had contributed to the gain, or whether McPhater's win had come in spite of it.