NEWSPAPER man Richard Walker had a disappointing start to his first foray into frontline politics when he failed in his bid to get selected as a Holyrood candidate.
However, the founding editor of The National and the Sunday National and the former editor of the Sunday Herald said the new experience had been a positive one.
Walker lost out in his bid to be selected as the SNP candidate for Ayr at the 2021 election to Siobhian Brown, a councillor in South Ayrshire.
READ MORE: SNP selection results: These are the SNP's candidates for Holyrood 2021
He told the National: “I was disappointed with the result, but it was a very positive experience. I am very glad I did it and I don’t have any regrets at all. The campaign was good natured and there was no animosity.”
Walker, who was born in Troon and lives in Ayr, added that he hoped the SNP would take Ayr from the Tories next year.
He added that he believes that the latest insistence by Scottish Secretary Alister Jack to refuse to agree to a new referendum before 25 to 40 years will further drive up support for independence, currently standing at record levels of up of 58%.
He added: “Clearly Siobhain commanded a lot of support and I’m sure she will be a great MSP.”
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