The candidates want your vote

Hopefuls introduce themselves to the electorate

Candidates for the forthcoming Perth and Kinross Council election have been confirmed.

More than 80 people are vying for locals’ votes across the 12 council wards, with some interesting moves among them, including a growing number of independent candidates, incumbent councillors leaving their previous parties, long-serving local politicians calling time on their political careers, and a wide range of ages and backgrounds being represented.

A total of 40 places at Perth and Kinross Council will be up for grabs on Thursday, May 4.

Eligible voters aged 16 years or older will have the chance to choose who they wish to represent them.

The Herald asked each of the candidates running for election in the Strathallan ward to set out their stall ahead of the vote.

All three of the area’s current elected members – Ann Gaunt, Tom Gray and Murray Lyle – are throwing their respective hats in the ring again in the hope of earning enough support to secure another term in local government.

The Strathearn ward will be featured in next week’s edition.

Strath residents have just a few days left to ensure that they are registered to vote before the council elections.

Voters in Perth and Kinross need to register by the deadline of Monday, April 17, otherwise they won’t be able to exercise their democratic right.

Andy O’Neill, head of the electoral commission in Scotland, added: “If you have moved house recently, then make sure you’re registered correctly.

“If you’re not registered, you won’t be able to have your say on issues that directly affect your day-to-day life in Perth and Kinross.”

To register to vote, visit the website at www. gov. uk/ register- to-vote before Monday, April 17.