SNP members in the region have selected Elgin City South SNP Councillor Graham Leadbitter to stand as their Westminster Candidate for the new Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey seat.
Boundary changes have resulted in the new constituency being formed, which runs from Dalwhinnie through Badenoch & Strathspey in the south to Lossiemouth in the north and from the Spey along the coast to Castle Stuart.
The largest settlements in the new constituency include Kingussie, Aviemore, Grantown, Aberlour, Nairn, Forres, Rothes, Elgin & Lossiemouth.
The SNP’s Graham Leadbitter has represented Elgin City South Ward on Moray Council for over 16 years, including a recent 4 year period where he was Council Leader.
With a background in the retail and service sector before getting involved in politics, Mr Leadbitter has also worked as a Constituency Office Manager for an MP.
Commenting on his selection as the SNP’s candidate Graham Leadbitter said:
“I got into politics to make a difference for my community and I believe I have done that well throughout my time as Councillor.
“I want to use that solid grounding and experience representing my community to take that representation to Westminster.
“Right now families, businesses and individuals from Aviemore to Lossiemouth are under enormous pressure from the Cost of Living crisis.
“High inflation, especially in energy costs, is forcing people to choose whether to heat or eat.
“Food bank use is at a record high and over a decade of Tory austerity is hitting public services and reducing investment in critical infrastructure.
“That is simply unacceptable.
“The SNP is the only party offering a serious alternative to the London based parties.
“That alternative is a Scotland with the normal powers of Independence where we have full control over the economy and where we can drive public service investment, investment in critical infrastructure and, vitally, in supporting the most vulnerable.
“The Tory UK Government is backing off promises on the Pensions Triple Lock, selling our agriculture and fisheries down the river with Brexit and turning their back on people fleeing horrific violence and destitution.
“My values are compassion and respect for others.
“For families in our region, for our local businesses, for those in need of our help.
“Independence will enable Scotland to better live those values every day.
“I am looking forward to taking that message to door the length and breadth of this constituency.”