GENERAL ELECTION: The West Moray, Nairn and Strathspey candidates in their own words

Voters will be going to the polls on Thursday, July 4 in West Moray, Nairn and Strathspey.

This new constituency includes Badenoch and Strathspey as well as communities such as Nairn, Forres and Elgin.

It means that the stath is no longer aligned with the Highlands - the adminsitrative region for local government - at Westminster.

The candidates seeking your local vote will be Neil Alexander (Lib Dems), James Hynam (Labour), Graham Leadbitter (SNP), Euan Morrice (Scottish Family) Kathleen Robertson (Conservative), Steve Skerrett (Reform) and Draeyk Van Der Horn (Greens)

In advance of the General Election we’ve asked all seven of them the same set of questions.

Here are their answers.

1. A wide range of local organisations appear to have problems attracting high-level staff to our region. A shortage of doctors has seen the downgrading of maternity services at Dr Gray's Hospital (Elgin). Meanwhile, some veterinary surgeries are currently removing weekend cover.
How serious is the situation and are there any practical steps that you would like to see implemented?

Neil Alexander (Lib Dems):The situation is dire, and investment in training more vets and GPs across the UK has been poor. I am really proud that my party has committed to investing in the recruitment of 8000 more GPs. I am also very supportive of investing in training more vets. Pets are part of our family and we recently lost our three rabbits to a sudden illness. We were very grateful for the care they received from our vet, and we would want the same support offered to any family.

James Hynam (Labour): I have seen first hand services within the health service struggle as they struggle to recruit. The situation is getting very serious as members of the public who at one stage could get these services now have to travel up to three hours to get a basic procedure done. Recruitment is not something solved simply by putting pay up, the area itself must seem desirable.

This means there needs to be an improvement with education, transport, housing and opportunities for these workers' families when they come up to the north east. We also need to upskill to ensure that we have the workforce we need. All of these problems are linked.

Graham Leadbitter (SNP): There are labour and skills shortages in a significant number of sectors from some medical professions to social care and hospitality. The shocking handling of Brexit by the Conservative Government and the severe barriers to immigration makes attracting skilled workers far, far harder than it should be.

If Scotland were able to set its own immigration policy then we could put in place a system that meets Scotland's needs and especially those in vital public services. Austerity must end to enable investment in areas such as key worker housings and the UK Government must take a very different approach to the European Union

Euan Morrice (Scottish Family): The root cause to the shortage of high level workers is a lack of infrastructure and connectivity driving away investment. With the north of scotland held back by the A9 and A96 as well as our poor rail links, the incentive for professionals to move here and live here is poor. For the doctor shortage, we need to be promoting young folk going into nursing and healthcare. We can offer support, reduce fees for these courses or simplify the course without cutting quality.

Kathleen Robertson (Conservative): The situation is extremely serious and has been discussed for years with no tangible outcomes, so we need urgent action. We must remove the cap on university places in veterinary medicine and medicine so students who are more likely to stay at home practice in Scotland. It’s vital we prioritise to pay for remote and rural placings as is done for those working in London. Crucially, ensure key worker accommodation is available and access to childcare is improved to allow more women to return to work.

Steve Skerrett (Reform): Attracting and retaining high-level staff is always a challenge, but we are well placed to meet this challenge with continued promotion of Moray as a place to live and work.

With reference to the maternity services at Dr Gray’s Hospital, in October 2023 Jane Gill was appointed programme director for NHS Grampian and NHS Highland’s maternity collaborative with an initial drive to recruit nearly 100 new staff for Moray and Inverness maternity services. I believe these are examples of practical steps that can be taken and continued.

Draeyk Van Der Horn (Greens): The downgrading of maternity services at Dr Gray's Hospital highlights critical issues that need urgent attention. These changes might increase travel times and risks for expectant mothers. Additionally, there is a decline in staff morale and community sentiment.

To address these concerns, the following steps are recommended: implement and invest in a holistic approach to well-being and health; increase at-home treatments care plans; improve recruitment and training; promote the region as a desirable place to live; provide quality housing for key workers.

As regards veterinary services: improve animal welfare, address new pests and diseases exacerbated by climate change; enhance animal nutrition. These are essential steps to reduce stress on animals and free-up veterinary capacity.

2. What do you think is the purpose of government?

NA: To serve the people that elect it. We've had two failing governments taking us for granted for too long and we need a Holyrood and Westminster government that will listen. I am a big believer in devolution of power, so we should be empowering our local councils to make the best decisions for their communities, such as by allowing them to set their own business rates for their struggling town centres

JH: The purpose of government should be to run essential public services and to protect the most vulnerable in society. It is also the role of government to ensure that everyone has a fair shake in life, by facilitating not just equal opportunities, but fairer outcomes too.

GL: The purpose of Government is to effectively deliver a range of public services that meet the public's expectation as best as possible and to have a serious conversation with the public about how that is paid for and what the priorities should be.

It is also the defence of our country and with three significant military bases in our region it is vital that Government properly supports those personnel to carry out that role.

EM: Government’s role is to guarantee the rights of its citizens. The government should also provide our basic services such as education and healthcare. Our previous government seems to have completely failed on all accounts when it comes to the role of government

KR : Government is there to consider policy that brings security to all aspects of our lives. It needs to be able to work collegiately to enable progress and I would like to see more constructive debate around complex issues.

SS: I believe the purpose of government in relation to a country is like that of a board of directors in relation to a business. The directors (the government) are appointed by the shareholders (the people) to manage the day-to-day affairs of the business (the country).

They must always act in the best interests of the business (the country) and are accountable in terms of their duties and responsibilities. The shareholders (the people) develop the overall strategy and mission and the directors (the government) must develop systems and policies to successfully implement the strategy.

DvdH: The purpose of government is to promote collective well-being, ensuring social, economic, and environmental justice and equality. It aims for representation and participation for all, fostering harmonious living and balancing the needs of life on earth, enabling individuals to live their best lives.

3. What is the basic level of provision a government should ensure everyone has?

NA: A right to healthcare treatment, including mental health which we believe needs more investment. We want to give everyone the right to see their GP within seven days, and a right to an NHS dentist. A right to a place to call home, which is why we want to build 150,000 more social homes across the UK, which would improve funding for the devolved Scottish Parliament, which could reverse their harsh housing budget cuts.

A safe and secure country, which is why we want to see a return of proper community policing. We also believe that it is essential to protect our human rights, which is why we support the British-invented court of human rights and we will protect the UK's human rights act against those in the Conservative movement who would have it repealed

JH: Education, health, housing, and everything necessary to participate in modern society. The basic level of provision needs to be high, especially in areas like this. If left to the market alone, no one would ever build roads in rural areas, let alone deliver parcels or install broadband connections. The government should also be responsible for giving the citizens the tools to improve their lives.

GL: Basic human rights are the bare minimum any Government must deliver, such as the right to health, the right to a home, the right to an education and many more but we must aspire to so much more. When you look around and see what can be achieved by small independent countries around Europe, it is easy to see how much more an Independent Scotland could achieve for its citizens.

EM: I think access to healthcare is a basic need, and the government should provision for a stable NHS and reduced waiting times

KR: Government should ensure people have the right to lead their own lives in peace and security and to fulfil their potential. That means free access to healthcare and when you need it, the right to first-class education (which has sadly declined under the SNP), and a robust welfare system.

Above all, the government has responsibility for the defence of the realm which means strong and resilient armed forces, and the maintenance of our system of alliances such as NATO. As a Council Leader I am very keen to ensure that councils have the resources to deliver local services.

SS: Healthcare, housing, education plus security and defence.

DvdH: Ensuring access to safe, secure, and affordable housing with a focus on green, social, and affordable homes. Providing free and accessible healthcare services, including mental health services, for all.

Ensuring affordable and accessible food and clean water, and maximising access to green and growing spaces. Guaranteeing free education at all levels, including early childhood and lifelong learning opportunities.

Offering affordable and efficient public transport systems to enhance mobility and reduce private car reliance. Creating sustainable and green jobs to support a low-carbon economy and provide fair employment opportunities.

Implementing strong policies to combat climate change, protect the environment, and promote renewable energy sources for the benefit of people and the planet.

4. What shouldn't a government be responsible for and why?

NA: Personal freedoms. We as liberals believe that it is your life, your choice. From how you live your life, to your choices on healthcare such as assisted dying for the terminally ill.

JH: Interfering with the basic human rights of its citizens. This means respecting difference and diversity, rather than seeking to marginalise people.

GL: Government shouldn’t over-regulate public life or interfere in religion. It must ensure human rights are respected.

EMThe government should not be funding controversial 'arts' and creative projects. Creative Scotland spends millions on funding various arts projects each year and recently were left red faced after giving £100k to a group to film pornography. Creative Scotland is a complete misuse of taxpayers funds, especially at a time when so many people are struggling to pay bills and keep the heating on.

KR: Government shouldn’t be able to restrict personal choice. People need to make their own minds up with supported evidence.

SS: Citizens personal choices and the right to live their lives as they see fit within the framework of the law. The freedom of personal choice is paramount.

DH: A government should avoid over-centralisation of power: Localism brings it closer to the people, allowing local communities to manage their affairs more effectively. This increases participation and ensures policies reflect local needs and conditions. Independence and membership of the EU membership, exemplify this approach.

Civil liberties and privacy should be prioritised. Government surveillance too often intrudes on personal lives, necessitating robust data protection and privacy rights.

Government interference or heavy regulation of media content should be avoided to support media diversity and freedom of expression, ensuring a just and transparent society.

5. Why are you standing for election?

NA: I'm standing because I am genuinely angry that we in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey have been taken for granted for so long. Two government who blame each other rather than working together to fix the problems in our society isn't acceptable.

I once heard of an elderly neighbour who was referred to Wick for A&E treatment despite living in Elgin. These issues can't be ignored and I care about the community that has given us a home, so I couldn't sit this one out

JH: I am standing for election because I genuinely care. I have worked in the public sector for over ten years and I have seen services decline, I am a father and I see schools struggling to meet the basic needs of children due to cuts to local authorities.

I have seen the most vulnerable in our communities struggle. We have been met with gimmicks and nonsense from those in government who were meant to help these people. It is time to have people in Westminster whose sole priority is the people who elected them.

GL: I care deeply about the communities right across Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey. I see the impact of Tory austerity on our public services; the hammering our economy is taking because of Brexit and the impacts of the Tory-made Cost of Living Crisis.

When it comes to public services, Labour are offering nothing new and are set to slash 18 billion pounds from public services - the equivalent of 1 in 6 NHS staff in Scotland.

Only the SNP offer a different vision of hope for Scotland and I have the experience and the drive to take up the issues that matter to the people of Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey."

EM: It seems there is nobody standing here who would stand up for families. I see no concern for how we make it easier for families and children. Instead I see a Tory obsession with stopping independence and an SNP that's offering nothing new.

While other parties have promised to force parents back to work and give them more state childcare, the Family Party would give the option to stay at home with a fully transferable tax allowance for married couples.

Nobody here seems to be standing up for the vulnerable. Abortion up to birth was debated in parliament not too long ago, and assisted suicide was debated at Holyrood. Social issues don’t matter to the other parties, as they use free conscience votes in parliament to avoid the issues.

KR: As leader of Moray Council, I have successfully brought cross-party working for the benefit of the local community. I am frustrated at the lack of this, particularly in the Scottish Government. I am determined to bring people together to ensure we work collectively for residents in the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency.

SS: The whole fabric of our political system is broken. Current incumbent governments are failing to identify and deal with the major issues we face at home and abroad.

The primary role of any government is the responsibility for deciding how the country is run and for managing things, day to day. They set taxes, choose what to spend public money on and decide how best to deliver public services. In this regard the governments of the UK and those devolved regions such as Scotland are failing.

Reform UK is the only party that offers true change to the current impasse. Ee need urgent reform across the breadth of government policy. Direct, concise action to quickly bring Scotland and the rest of the UK back on course.

DvdH: I am standing because I reject the outdated status quo and aspire to create a vibrant future. I am driven by a commitment to all people, nature, and the planet, and I am called to action to make a difference for the common good.

6. Who is your role model?

NA: A young man who wanted to make a difference in the Highlands? It has to be Charles Kennedy for me. A great man who was well respected and loved across the board. Further afield than that, I am a big fan of the late, great Jack Layton from Canadian politics. He took a distant 4th place party who believed in creating a better society and took them on to become the official opposition, sweeping aside a former absent-visioned establishment party in a two-party voting system. Sounds far too good a story to not be inspired by for us!

JH: I have two. Nye Bevan, father of the health service who stood up for what he believed in even if it made him unpopular within his own party. Also my father who taught me right from wrong and that you must always stand up for what you think is right.

GL: In a family context. my parents have instilled in me a strong sense of right and wrong and respect for others. Politically I admire SNP Leader John Swinney, who has shown an incredible and unstinting commitment to public service throughout my adult life and my time as an SNP member and activist and has encouraged me throughout that time.

EM: I am quite a new Christian, and I am getting baptised at the end of June. I find that Jesus is my role model. As Christians we strive to be more like Jesus in our day to day lives, to follow him and to be caring, Kind, moral and fair. That means helping those in need or doing things with no expectation of a return.

KR: Michelle Obama

SS: Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher. They got the job done!

DvdH: Three figures who inspire me are Sir David Attenborough for his love of nature, Nelson Mandela for his fight for liberty, and my great aunt for her independence and self-reliance. They exemplify wisdom, courage, and strength.

7. What characteristics are necessary for a politician?

NA: : I genuinely think right now what we need most from our politicians is respect. Respect for others who disagree with us, whether they're a voter or another politician. Our politics has been toxic in the UK for far too long, and we need to change that. And we also change that by working together where we can to deliver for the communities that we serve

JH: Empathy, honesty, a good work ethic, and the ability to work with others to get things done.

GL: Principles, pragmatism, compassion and a good memory!

EM: A politician should be honest firstly. Honesty is clearly lacking in Scottish politics. A politician should also care for their constituents and put their worries first, they should be active when it comes to casework and should aim to get the best deal in Parliament for their area. A politician should also be principled and avoid populism, as too many today would be considered moving with the wind, with morals and views which shift and move as public opinion moves

KR: Honesty and integrity closely followed by communication skills and a sense of duty and service to our community.

SS: Integrity, leadership, representing their local constituents to the best of their ability, good judgement and good interpersonal skills.

DvdH: Integrity, service, listening, leadership, empathy, knowledge, and problem-solving are essential qualities for a politician. These values guide my commitment to representing the people, understanding diverse perspectives, and finding effective solutions.

8. Why should we vote for you?

NA: If I am lucky enough to be voted for by you and elected as your MP, you will get a hard worker who cares passionately about improving our community. It's what I already do as a campaigner where I've fought and won - on getting housing support for victims of domestic abuse in Moray Council, and on holding them to account to inspect every council home for dangerous concrete. That's what I do when I'm not elected, and I will continue to put your local priorities first as MP.

JH: I’m someone who’s passionate about the North East of Scotland, who’s committed to making sure that the most vulnerable in society have a voice. I’ll be an MP for everyone.

GL: The Tories have inflicted the misery of austerity on our public services; the damage of Brexit to our economy; and the cost of living crisis on the country. We have had a succession of awful Prime Ministers who partied in Downing Street, crashed the economy and heaped huge costs on every household. Labour are offering more of the same with more cuts to public services at a time when they need investment.

The SNP offer hope and a different approach. In Government the SNP has delivered far more affordable houses per head of population than England or Wales; the abolition of tuition fees, free prescriptions, the vital Scottish Child Payment that has lifted 100,000 children out of poverty and much, much more.

With independence the Scottish Parliament - not Westminster - would be able to take all the decisions that affect Scotland. I will always stick to my principles and one of those is campaigning for independence but I also listen to and treat others' views with respect. Democracy is precious.

I have always worked hard for those who have elected me and I would go to Westminster with the exclusive purpose of making the case for Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey and for Scotland every single time, without exception or distraction.

EM: I am the only person here offering a pro-family, pro-marriage, pro-life, pro-freedom, pro-real education vision. A positive vision for Scotland, rather than the current offering from the other parties of ‘We're not the other party’.

The Scottish Family Party is a growing force in Scottish politics and is the only party here which is neutral on EU membership and truly neutral on independence, meaning you can vote with your conscience without compromising on your independence/EU stance.

KR: I am not a career politician. I have lived experience. I’ve had a career outside of politics as a veterinary surgeon for nearly 30 years and I have raised a family and cared for elderly parents. I understand the issues that families are facing, and I am determined to address them by working in the best interests of the residents of Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey.

SS: Highlighted in my answers above to questions one to eight.

DvdH: You should vote for me because I stand for a world that works for everyone, with integrity as a guiding principle. I am dedicated to helping you reach your full potential and celebrating our shared commitment to nature, people, and the planet.

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