Claire stands and vows to deliver
Would- be SNP councillor wants your vote
She’s just 26 but has already caught the political bug.
Now Claire Leitch hopes to win election to East Ayrshire Council.
Most of the present batch are old enough to be her grandparents.
But Claire, standing for the SNP, said: “I’m endeavouring to be part of the stereotype break- down that councillors are typically of a certain age and gender bracket by integrating my youthful enthusiasm and vigour.”
She is standing in the Ballochmyle ward and lives in Auchinleck with partner Kevin and their three- year- old daughter Cleo.
At the moment she’s working part- time in the Cumnock office of MSP Jeanne Freeman.
Claire knows her patch inside out and was schooled at Auchinleck Primary and Academy.
The ward’s sitting councillor Jim Roberts, also for the SNP, is standing for the third time.
They were vying for one of four spots – currently split evenly between the SNP and Labour – in the Ballochmyle ward. Claire said: “I decided to get involved because I started thinking ‘ why does someone not do something about that?’ I’m someone who is more than capable of effecting change.”
She has previously volunteered in food banks, with education services within Childline and helped a local wellbeing class.
Claire added: “I am currently involved in a befriending service which helps tackle social isolation amongst the elderly.
“If elected, I am confident that I would be a bold voice for all communities within my ward of Ballochmyle and will endeavour to ensure that this ward receives an equal share of resources.”
Jim, meanwhile, says he has worked tirelessly since 2007 and said: “I’m sure people can see for themselves the improvement an SNP administration has made within East Ayrshire.”
Council SNP Leader Douglas Reid added: “Claire and Jim are a good local blend of SNP candidates who can deliver for the people in Ballochmyle.”
“The SNP have already delivered and are currently constructing new schools in Sorn, Muirkirk and Auchinleck Early Years, as well as the consideration for the proposed Campus at Knockroon.
“We have built the first new Council houses in years at Mauchline with more to come both and in areas such as Catrine through The Regeneration Trust we are working with communities to improve services.”