ANGUS Robertson has officially launched his campaign to become the SNP MSP for Edinburgh Central.
The seat is currently held by former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson with a majority of just 610 votes.
Robertson, the ex-SNP Westminster leader, faces competition from MP Joanna Cherry to be named the SNP’s candidate ahead of next year’s Holyrood election.
READ MORE: Angus Robertson: An SNP win will be crucial in Ruth Davidson’s former seat
Announcing the start of his official campaign this morning, he said: “Edinburgh Central is a key constituency for the SNP to secure a pro-independence majority in next year’s Scottish Parliament elections.
“At present Ruth Davidson holds a seat for the Tories with a tiny 610 vote majority. And I believe that I can win here with the support of SNP members and voters of all parties who don't want to see the area represented by a pro-Brexit MSP.”
Pleased to officially launch my campaign for Edinburgh Central. Want to help me win Ruth Davidson’s seat from the Tories and secure a pro-independence majority for @theSNP in next year’s Scottish Parliament elections? Pls visit and sign-up: https://t.co/CSwBcHDfgv #voteAngus pic.twitter.com/RrVg3AN5DW
— Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) July 26, 2020
Robertson added: “I grew up in Edinburgh Central, I work here today and this is where I live. And I understand the different issues that matter to people and communities, right across Edinburgh Central.
“So if you want to elect a hard-working local MSP with high-profile national experience, who will support First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and deliver independence, please support my campaign.”
READ MORE: Joanna Cherry: Why I’m standing to be MSP for Edinburgh Central
The ex-SNP Westminster leader – who lost his Moray seat in 2017 – has previously questioned the credentials of SNP rival Cherry.
He warned locals that his former Westminster colleague simply can’t be a “full-time candidate”.
Cherry has made clear she will stand down from the House of Commons if elected.
One pro-Robertson SNP insider told The Sun earlier this year that the contest was “a battle for the soul of the movement and party”.
Two Panelbase polls released in the past two months have put the SNP on course for a majority at Holyrood, while also showing 54% support for Scottish independence, when undecided voters are removed.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel