An SNP candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has criticised Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives after a fresh round of House of Lords appointments was announced at Westminster this week.
The comments follow confirmation that Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed 25 Labour peers, with the Liberal Democrats appointing five and the Conservatives appointing three.
Two of the Liberal Democrat appointments include hereditary peers who were due to lose their seats.
The SNP continues to refuse to nominate members to the House of Lords, describing the unelected chamber as an affront to democracy.
Eilidh Munro, who is seeking to succeed Kate Forbes as MSP at the election next year, said the latest appointments underline a sharp contrast in priorities.
Eilidh Munro said:
“Many Scots are feeling the pinch this Christmas due to rising energy bills and wider economic uncertainty caused by the UK Government.
“In the meantime, Labour, the Lib Dems and the Tories are busy offering Christmas gifts to themselves, providing already privileged friends with a cushy gig in the unelected House of Lords.
“The public should know where the people who wish to represent them stand on issues like this.
“I am clear that the House of Lords is an affront to democracy and a waste of money at a time when families are struggling with the cost of living.
“I think it’s important that we hear from the other candidates.
“The SNP is the only party that is laser focused on the priorities of the Scottish people.
“As the London parties prioritise jobs for the boys, we are fighting to defend jobs in Scotland’s energy sector, which are under threat from Number Ten’s harmful policy agenda.
“If I’m elected in May, my loyalty will be to the people of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
“I’ll aim to build on Kate Forbes’ track record in areas like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and the local economy, delivering tangible change on issues that people care about.”
The House of Lords remains an appointed chamber with more than 700 members.
Appointments are made by party leaders and the Prime Minister rather than through any form of public election.
The system has long drawn criticism for its size, cost and lack of accountability.
The SNP has repeatedly argued that decisions affecting Scotland should be made by representatives chosen by voters rather than by political patronage.
The comments come as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the election campaign in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch.
Issues around the cost of living, energy policy and democratic reform continue to feature prominently in local and national debate.
Ms Munro said the contrast between Westminster appointments and pressures facing households will be clear to voters.
She said her focus will remain on representing communities across the constituency if elected.
