Maree Todd, SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross and the party’s confirmed candidate for the 2026 Holyrood elections, has hit out at Labour for selecting a London-based councillor to contest one of Scotland’s most rural constituencies.
Labour has named Eva Kestner, a serving councillor in London, as their candidate for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross in the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
Kestner previously ran in the 2024 General Election as Labour’s candidate for Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross, where she secured just 7.4% of the vote.
Commenting, Maree Todd MSP said:
“Given Labour’s disastrous start in government, it’s hardly surprising that no one from Caithness, Sutherland and Ross – or even Inverness and Nairn – is willing to stand as a local Labour candidate and endorse Keir Starmer.
“On the doorsteps, voters are expressing disbelief that a Labour government has slashed Winter Fuel Payments, imposed harsh welfare reforms, and abandoned the very people who rely on support the most.
“There’s been no meaningful difference between this Labour government and the Tory one before it – and Scottish Labour has shown it’s completely unable – or unwilling – to stand up to Westminster.
“It’s no wonder they are shipping in candidates from London.
“The Highlands deserve better – they deserve strong local voices who understand this region, not more of the Prime Minister’s cronies.”
