SNP boosted by applications
Snowed under by councillor interest
Wannabe councillors for the SNP have reached record levels, says the South Ayrshire group leader.
The party have received the highest ever number of candidate applications bidding for South Ayrshire seats in the upcoming council election.
Councillor Allan Dorans has revealed 50 potential councillors have put their name in the ring.
And six approved SNP candidates are zoning in on two seats in Conservative- dominated Troon. Councillor Dorans said it is a part of a wave of interest in the national party since the referendum result.
He said: “We are overwhelmed with candidates. There is a huge interest.
“There is a resurgence in enthusiasm for politics following the referendum. It is also a shock to have a high level of interest from people wanting to stand in Troon. We will put forward two candidates for the town. People have also seen the high level of SNP representation at Westminster. SNP membership has increased to 120,000 following the referendum.”
The party is not ready to reveal the list of candidates as nominations are still to take place.
Only two current councillors will not stand again - Troon’s Nan MacFarlane and Carrick’s Alec Oates.
On Monday SNP branches are invited to open the doors for nominations.
May’s local election is expected to be a close race. Labour and the Conservatives currently share power.
The council will host an information event for hopeful local politicians on Wednesday, February 22 at 6pm at the Town Hall in Ayr.