Tory pledges ‘positive’ by-election campaign

FIFE COUNCILLOR David Dempsey has been confirmed as the Scottish Conservatives’ candidate in the Cowdenbeath byelection.

The father- of- three, who is a councillor for Inverkeithing, Dalgety Bay and Aberdour, was first elected to Fife Council in 2007.

He said: “I will be running an extremely positive campaign, as the people in this constituency deserve an MSP who will fight their corner.

“Having been a councillor in the area for the past six years, I know how to get things done and how to address the local issues people really care about.”

The by-election will take place on Thursday January 23. It follows the sudden death last month of Labour MSP Helen Eadie.

Mr Dempsey added: “Our town centres are the heartbeat of our communities but many need regenerated to spark growth and bring new jobs to the area.

“There’s great concern among residents at the threat of endless development of our treasured green spaces.

“During these tough times, the Scottish Conservatives are on the side of hard-working families and one of my priorities during this campaign will be the cost of living.

“Tax cuts are already putting money back in people’s pockets and the cancellation of the fuel duty increase by the Chancellor is taking 20p off petrol for motorists in Fife. But we realise we have to do more and we are also taking action to reduce people’s energy bills.”

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: “Dave is a great local champion who cares deeply about the people in this constituency.

“His council record speaks for itself and he would be a tireless worker for local people if elected to the Scottish Parliament.”

Candidates already selected include Fife Council leader Alex Rowley, for Labour, and Stuart Graham, whose step-son Colin Marr died as the result of a stab wound in 2007. Mr Graham and his wife Margaret have formed the Victims’ Final Right Party.