Campaigning to draw to a close

Candidates hoping to be named Stirling’s MP are doing their final campaign rounds today (Wednesday).

The area goes to the polls tomorrow (Thursday) in the General Election.

A snap election was called by Prime Minister Theresa May on April 18 and five candidates are standing in Stirling constituency.

Steven Paterson, from the SNP, is hoping to hold onto the seat he gained from Labour two years ago. The 42-year-old from Cambusbarron replaced longstanding MP Anne McGuire, by holding off the challenge from Labour’s Johanna Boyd. He gained a majority of 10,480 over his closest rival, recording a swing of 22.5 per cent.

“This is a hugely important election to ensure that the Stirling constituency has a strong voice during the next Parliament,”he said.

“Myself and SNP activists across the constituency have worked hard to engage with the electorate, and emphasise the importance of opposing Tory cuts. With hours to the polls opening, we’ll continue to work for every vote.”

Both the SNP and the Conservatives have claimed the race is likely to be a two-party battle. Bridge of Allan businessman Stephen Kerr is standing for the Tories, and has called for backing from voters who want to reject the prospect of a second independence referendum.

He said:“I am very proud of the campaign we have run and my sincere thanks to everyone involved for their support and tireless efforts. It has been a privilege to meet so many of you in every part of the constituency. Thank you for your courtesy and for many memorable moments.”

Mr Kerr will be hoping to gain on an upsurge in council seats for his party at last month’s elections, and finished third in 2015’s General Election.

Labour candidate Chris Kane, who was elected to Stirling Council last month, will be aiming to build on positive polls for his party in recent weeks.

He said:“Engaging with voters is energising. Labour voters impressed with our manifesto for the many not the few. SNP voters struggling with Nicola Sturgeon’s refusal to get on with the day job and Tory voters struggling with Theresa May’s continued austerity. What is crystal clear is that voters want change. Tomorrow a vote for Labour will deliver that.”

Former police force member Wendy Chamberlain is standing for the Lib Dems, and will be hoping to improve on 2015 when compatriot Elisabeth Wilson gained 1,392 votes.

“The Scottish Liberal Democrats have ran a positive campaign focussed on ensuring the best future for Scotland,”she said.“Articles, interviews and hustings events have given me the opportunity to engage with Stirling voters and hear about what is important to them and their local community – thank you!”

Stirling University professor Kirstein Rummery, of the Scottish Women’s Equality Party, has used the campaign to promote issues that she is passionate about. She said:“This campaign – particularly after the attacks in Manchester and London – has shown me how badly we need to bring care and co-operation into politics. It’s reminded me how we need to focus on the things that matter: equality, social care, ending violence, fairness – rather than party loyalty and division.”

Voting takes place tomorrow from 7am till 10pm at polling stations across the area. Counting will then begin at the Albert Halls in Stirling, with a result expected in the early hours of Friday morning.