SNP pledge to stay out of Conservative’s bed

“We will not snuggle- up with the Tories.”

That is the pledge from a new SNP line- up as they pack their first punch in a bid to wrestle control of South Ayrshire Council.

For the first time, Nats leader Allan Dorans has dramatically made a vow that his party will not share power or strike a deal with the Conservatives after the May election.

The SNP revealed the 14 faces fighting for seats during a wet and windy afternoon at Wellington Square on Monday. A set of young, hungry politicians are stepping forward – with only five of the candidates existing councillors.

In a huge snub to the existing status quo at County Buildings, Councillor Dorans said: “We will not form an administration with the Conservative party. The SNP policies are at a huge variance with the Conservative policies both nationally and locally.

“It would not be in the best interests of residents to form an alliance with them. But we will seek a strategic alliance with other parties in order to best serve the people.”

There are two candidates for every ward apart from in Girvan and Maybole, South Carrick and Coylton with one each.

Jennifer Dunn’s husband Craig McKay is standing in Troon. Jennifer failed to win the Ayr Holyrood seat, losing to Tory John Scott.

Chris Cullen, the fiance of MP Corri Wilson’s daughter, is a candidate for Ayr East – her old ward.

Councillor Ian Douglas is stepping down in Ayr East. Troon councillor Nan McFarlane, Kyle councillor John Allan and Girvan councillor Alec Oattes will not run again. Councillor John Wallace has switched wards to run for Prestwick instead of Ayr East alongside Councillor Ian Cochrane.

Councillor Dorans said: “It is the highest number of SNP candidates running in the history of South Ayrshire Council. We are committed to having councillors who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We are delighted to have four female candidates and two of them are very young. The prospective councillors have wide- ranging skills and experience.”

Councillor Allan Dorans and political newbie Siobhian Brown will be up against former SNP MSP Chic Brodie in the Ayr West battleground.