LABOUR has held East Lothian since the Scottish Parliament reconvened in 1999. Now Iain Gray is standing down, the SNP hopes to make a breakthrough next year – and three candidates say they are the one to do it.
They include an MSP’s staffer, a housing and care expert and Kenny MacAskill’s Westminster campaign manager, a local councillor.
All are asking local members to fight for the constituency seat in 2021.
And with the window still open until mid-September, it’s thought more hopefuls may come forward seeking selection.
Not only has the East Lothian seat never been represented in the Scottish Parliament by any party other than Labour, it’s never been represented by a woman, with only two men – Gray and his predecessor John Home Robertson – to have held it.
READ MORE: Rhiannon Spear: This is what the SNP will do to reduce the gender gap
Lyn Jardine, who has built a career in housing and care, hopes to change that. Jardine, the former chair of Women’s Aid East and Midlothian, was national secretary of the Federation of Student Nationalists, but pursued a career outwith politics after Winnie Ewing told her to go “out into the real world”.
Now a local activist, she told members in a letter she has the “competence and determination” to “deliver both the independence and support we deserve”.
She stated: “I have no doubt that whoever is selected, our members will put the same passion into campaigning for a better deal for East Lothian and a fairer, more equal Scotland. I hope to play my part in that.”
However, MSP staffer Iain Whyte says the area needs “someone who has a completely fresh vision for both our county and our country”. Office manager to Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Whyte says his work “at the heart of the Scottish Parliament” will help him work on areas like fuel poverty and child poverty.
He said: “I know how parliament works and how to get the best out of it. But make no mistake, I am not some party hack or spin doctor.”
READ MORE: SNP's women’s convener makes bid for Michael Russell's seat
He went on: “I have the experience, the local knowledge, the commitment, vision and passion that’s required to win this seat.”
Meanwhile, councillor Paul McLennan, a former council leader who managed the successful Westminster campaign for Kenny MacAskill MP, believes his 13-year local government experience makes him the best candidate.
McLennan said: “Being elected as councillor on three occasions in 2007, 2012, and 2017 shows a winning habit. This has seen me working and helping with many constituents, local groups and charities over that period of time in the ward where I’ve lived all my life.
“Experience and knowledge of working with other organisations is key to be truly effective as an MSP.”
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