Drew Hendry, the current MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, has been confirmed as the SNP candidate for the newly formed constituency of Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire. His selection comes unopposed, reflecting his broad support within the party.
The new constituency of Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire constituency will be one of the largest in the UK and comprise of areas from the current Inverness, Nairn Badenoch and Strathspey seat, as well as parts of Ross, Skye and Lochaber.
Both seats have been held by the SNP since 2015.
Mr Hendry was Leader of the Highland Council until 2015 when he was elected to serve as MP for the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey constituency.
He has held a frontbench position within the SNP’s Westminster Group since his election in 2015 and currently serves as the party’s Spokesperson for the Economy.
Prior to entering politics, Hendry worked across retail and business.Â
The Highland MP says he’s looking forward to engaging with the communities new to the seat whilst being disappointed to lose some of the area he currently represents, including Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey and parts of the Loch Ness ward.
Commenting, Drew Hendry MP said:
“It is an honour to have been selected as the candidate for the new Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire.
“The confidence placed in me by both local party branches and the wider SNP community is something I do not take lightly.
“I look forward to getting out on doors in Skye, Fort William, and Wester Ross, forging new friendships and listening to the issues that matter most in your communities.
“Rising prices for food, housing, and utilities, coupled with stagnant wages, are making it near impossible for households to make ends meet.
“Parents are struggling to put food on the table, young folk can’t afford to set up home, and the elderly are forced to sit in freezing homes, too embarrassed to ask for help.
“This cost of living crisis cannot go on; folk living in an energy-rich country should not be scared to turn the heating on.
“As your MP, I want to make sure that in all our communities, nobody has to choose between food and warmth.
“Over the years, I’ve also led campaigns on unfair postal charges, broadband and mobile connectivity, malpractice from energy companies, unfair treatment of those who live off the gas grid and many more on issues impacting our region.
“My determination to make this the best place to live, work and study by strengthening our communities is stronger than ever.”
