Clacks leader makes a bid to stand as MP Ellen Forson throws name in hat to be SNP candidate
Clackmannanshire Council leader Ellen Forson has thrown her name in the hat to be the SNP candidate for Stirling at the Holyrood election next year.
Councillor Forson this week announced her intention to seek the SNP nomination to stand for the Stirling seat at next May’s election.
Incumbent Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford previously revealed his intention to retire at the election.
Ms Forson is the first potential candidate to announce intention to seek the Stirling nomination. The Party’s NEC intends to conclude the nomination and selection process over the coming months.
She said: “Having spoken with a number of local SNP members, I’m delighted to confirm that I will be seeking the nomination to be the SNP’S candidate for Stirling at next year’s Holyrood election.
“I’ve known Bruce Crawford for many years, and he will be a hard act to follow, no matter who the next SNP candidate is. However, I’m determined to follow on from his good work, to represent the interests of people across the Stirling area.
“Stirling and Scotland are faced with a situation that could be seriously damaging to people’s livelihoods in the short to medium term future. The Covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the need for Scotland to have the powers necessary to make key decisions in order to protect businesses and people during the most challenging time in our recent history. On top of this, we now face being taken out of the EU with no deal whatsoever, contrary to promises made by the UK government, which will cause utter chaos to our economy, and goes against what 68% of people in the Stirling area voted for in 2016.
“I want Scotland to have the opportunity to make its way in the world, as an outward-looking nation, in stark contrast to the insular politics we are seeing from Westminster. I want Scotland to be an independent country, but I also respect the fact that this is not yet the view of everyone. I will be here to listen, and to campaign for the best interests of local people.
“Over the next few weeks, I look forward to speaking with SNP members during our internal selection process to choose the next SNP candidate for Stirling, and to discuss ideas about how we can all work to make Stirling the best possible place to live, work, and grow up.”
Previously, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dean Lockhart was re-selected to be the Scottish Conservative candidate for Stirling at the election.
Mr Lockhart was re- selected by members of the Stirling and Clackmannanshire Conservative and Unionist Association last month.
Mr Lockhart contested the Stirling constituency in the 2016 Scottish Parliamentary elections, coming second. He was then elected to represent Mid-scotland and Fife from the regional list.