Ex-MSP Chic vows to shake up politics
An all-Ayrshire ‘federal unit’ should be created to showcase the county’s strengths.
So says a former MSP, who will bid to make a Holyrood comeback by competing for the Ayr seat this May.
Chic Brodie, who once represented the SNP and has now formed his own “real independence” party, says it is time for a “major change in politics”.
The leader of Scotia Future says he wants Ayr to front his bold vision for a new democracy.
Mr Brodie, who said the current political system is “broken,” told the Post : “It is time for a major change.
“Neither the Westminster nor Holyrood systems of government represent a modern democracy.
“And I want Ayr to be at the forefront of change.”
Central for Mr Brodie – and his new party – is the creation of “federated units” where councils would be handed more powers.
And he will argue for a united Ayrshire which shares in the likes of IT, finance, HR and economic development.
Chic, who is currently moderating in talks to save Ayr’s Station Hotel, added: “I love Ayr and Ayrshire as I love my country.
“So the opportunity to represent the Ayr constituency with all that it can be and achieve would be a real fulfilment for me.
“We have so many opportunities regarding jobs, developing skills and creating new small businesses to encourage not only our young people but to also attract local and international investment to Ayrshire.”
Mr Brodie says his party’s vision of “real independence” could attract voters currently not convinced by other arguments on the table.
The creation of a Scottish central bank with its own currency and a ‘non partybased second chamber’ are among Scotia Future’s policies.
He claimed: “Calling for independence itself is of no note unless you can spell out in detail what you are going to do with it.
“It is not just political independence but the independence to create policies and actions.
“It is about creating meaningful economic and social independence by returning power to communities and individuals.
And Mr Brodie added: “Scotia Future will work hard to respect the regional diversity of Scotland by pushing more powers to local authorities and communities like Ayr, Prestwick and Troon and reduce the cost of local Government.
“Independence is not in the gift of only one party and if the electors of Scotland so decide then Scotia Future believes there are other ways of bringing the UK Government to the table without the ongoing current cosmetic confrontation between Holyrood and Westminster to discuss the reorganisation and realignment of the British Isles.”
Long serving Tory John Scott and the SNP’s Siobhian Brown have already declared for the Ayr seat.