First female Argyll and Bute MSP elected to Holyrood
Newly-elected constituency MSP for Argyll and Bute Jenni Minto arrived at Holyrood for her induction on Tuesday this week.
Jenni, of Islay, who becomes the first female MSP to represent the area, swept to victory for the SNP in last Thursday’s poll.
Her majority of almost 9,000 votes over nearest rival, Conservative candidate Donald Cameron, follows a record-breaking turnout of 67.8 per cent of the electorate across the area as opposed to 60.4 per cent for the last Scottish Parliament election.
She notched up another first by becoming the first Argyll and Bute MSP to live on an island, which could be seen as valuable in Holyrood with the constituency containing 23 inhabited islands.
Jenni Minto said: ‘To be elected with such a large majority is such a privilege but with it comes a huge responsibility.
‘I said in my acceptance speech that in his final contribution to parliament [former Argyll and Bute MSP] Michael Russell emphasised the need for politicians to be ‘as constructive, civilised and courteous as possible’. This is how I intend to conduct myself.
‘I also feel a great sense of pride. The team of activists that worked on my campaign across Argyll and Bute were amazing – they all worked so hard in a campaign like no other. And I am also excited.
‘I feel honoured to be representing a constituency like Argyll and Bute.
‘It is Scotland’s most beautiful. It is full of committed people who work hard and make things happen. They understand what their communities need.
‘I want to ensure that this passion is heard loud and clear in Holyrood.’