SNP group’ s pledge to collaborate for success

The Moray SNP group has unveiled its manifesto as it bids for re-election to the administration. Ahead of the upcoming local government election, the party has pledged to work with other councillors to ensure the region thrives.

Since summer 2018, the group has served as a minority administration after the Tories quit their coalition with a group of independents amid a row about the senior management of the authority.

Now, the party is looking to lead the local authority once again.

A total of nine candidates have been put forward by the SNP.

Moray SNP has already claimed its first win of the 2022 council elections.

Sonya Warren will return as a councillor for Buckie and will be declared on polling day after only three candidates came forward for the three-member ward.

The ward is the only uncontested one in Moray.

In its manifesto, the SNP candidates promise to deliver the Moray Growth Deal efficiently and ensure it benefits every community.

They hope to support businesses, talent and growing social enterprise.

As well as investigating opportunities for HGV driver welfare facilities and maintaining investment in commercial and leisure harbours, they also support inward investment, particularly related to offshore renewables.

The SNP wants to reinstate Moray Towns Partnership within the lifetime of the next council.

This partnership, which was previously run between 2009 and 2018, brings together Buckie, Forres, Keith and Lossiemouth to generate economic benefits.

Education and housing remain vital for voters.

The group pledges to support the Scottish Government’s plan of 100,000 affordable houses across Scotland over the next 10 years.

The party promises that 10% of new builds across the region will be accessible housing.

It is proposed that at least two community campuses that combine education and community facilities will be built within eight years.

The first will be delivered within four years.

They will also maintain investment in closing the attainment gap and support the Scottish Government’s free music tuition.

The SNP has promised to fully support investment in local health services, such as the replacement of the Keith Health Centre, while remaining committed to the reintroduction of consultant-led maternity services at Dr Gray’s Hospital in a safe and sustainable way.

They support investment in mental health services and bid to make health and social care roles more attractive to address recruitment challenges.

The SNP is vowing to campaign for improved rail services and to improve bus links within Moray.

They will also support improvements on the A95, A98 and A9.

The party backs the A96 Inverness to Aberdeen dualling project.

Graham Leadbitter, leader of the SNP Moray Council group, says the group is building on their “track record” of balancing the council finances and addressing the region’s problems.

Mr Leadbitter added that working together will be “important” to ensure the success of Moray.

A total of 42 candidates have put their names forward for election on May 5.

Twenty-six seats are up for grabs across eight multi-member wards.

One ward has already been determined as only three candidates came forward for the threemember ward of Buckie.

There are six Independents, nine SNP, six Liberal Democrats, 11 Conservative, five Labour, three Green and two listed as other.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: The Moray SNP group, headed up by Graham Leadbitter, has promised to work together with other councillors to help the area.