SNP Hit the Ground Running in Moray By-Election Campaign

Attending the launch at the top of Ladyhill in the centre of Elgin were the SNP's candidate Richard Lochhead, SNP depute leader Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Angus Robertson the MP for Moray.

Mr Lochhead is currently MSP for the North East list and will therefore resign his seat this coming week to stand in the by-election. He had already been selected by local members to contest Moray in the 2007 Scottish elections.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Lochhead said:

"It is a tremendous honour to have be selected as the SNP's candidate for Moray in this by-election.

"Moray is very special and beautiful constituency that represents everything that is great about Scotland. It is a seat that has been in the vanguard of the independence movement and the campaign to take our nation forward to a better future.

"However, as a result of failed government policies, the constituency faces many challenges. My priorities will be to provide the constituency with a campaigning and vocal MSP to help secure economic and social progress for the people of Moray. I will always put Moray first.

"As part of today's launch I am launching a survey to find out the views of Moray residents so I can take up those issues in Holyrood.

"In Holyrood, I already plan to fight for transport improvements and to protect our traditional industries such as fishing, farming and forestry. I will work with the local community to attract new jobs to the area.

"I will devote my energies to important local issues such as delivering more bobbies on the beat, affordable housing, and dental services, along with saving local schools and dealing with the flooding problem. I will also protect and promote Moray's pristine environment, which is one of the constituency unique and greatest qualities.

"The SNP will not take any vote for granted in this election. The Tories are still a threat here, but I hope my track record of hard work and fighting for the issues that matter the most to Moray will continue to earn the trust of the local electorate."

Supporting Richard at the launch Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the SNP's Holyrood Leader, said:

"By voting for the SNP's Richard Lochhead on 27th April, not only will Moray gain a first class representative in the Scottish Parliament but they can send a powerful message to the rest of the nation that it is time for a new government in Scotland.

"There are only two choices in this election – a return to Tory failure or forward with the SNP. The Tories can never hope to govern at Holyrood. The only message that counts will be one for real change with the SNP.

"It is time for Holyrood to gain the powers of a normal independent country to bring real change to Scotland. It is time for an SNP Government with real ambition for our nation and for the current lacklustre Labour and Lib Dem coalition to go."

Also supporting Richard was Moray MP Angus Robertson added:

"After the sad loss of Margaret Ewing, who was a popular and much loved figure in the constituency, Moray SNP has now selected a first class candidate in Richard Lochhead.

"I have worked closely with Richard since his selection and he is an outstanding parliamentarian with the knowledge and experience to provide a first class service for Moray.

"His parliamentary record shows he is made for Moray. His track record on traditional industries like fishing and farming should stand him in good stead with the voters. Indeed, Richard is already well-known in the area and has already hit the ground running in this campaign."

ENDS

Notes:

Richard Lochhead's biography.

Richard Lochhead (36) and his wife Fiona, a primary school teacher, have a two and a half year old son, Angus.

He has represented North East Scotland in the Scottish Parliament since 1999. The family currently live in Aberdeenshire but have recently bought a home in Elgin.

Prior to his election to the Scottish Parliament in 1999, he was employed as a local government development officer. Other previous jobs include Office Manager for Alex Salmond MP and a trainee in the South of Scotland Electricity Board's financial department. He has a BA Hons in Political Studies from the University of Stirling.

He is the 2005/2006 Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce MSP of the Year, a title he also won when it was first created in 2004/2005.

Richard is a champion of Scotland's traditional industries. In March 2001, he engineered the first defeat of the Labour Lib Dem Executive, over the issue of a fishing tie-up scheme.

He is a member of the Scottish Parliament's Environment and Rural Development Committee and is a former Convener of the European and External Relations Committee. Cross Party Groups of which he is a member of include Renewables, Oil and Gas, Affordable Housing and International Development.

Richard's hobbies include reading history and fiction, cinema and travel. He is a keen road and off-road cyclist. He is a member of the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.