Labour's man chosen for Badenoch fight in 2021
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Members of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Constituency Labour Party have unanimously selected John Erskine as their candidate for the constituency at the 2021 Holyrood elections.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, members met online for a virtual hustings and selection meeting before voting online.
Ahead of the 2019 General Election Labour Party members in the equivalent Westminster constituency selected Mr Erskine to take on the SNP Westminster leader, Ian Blackford.
John Erskine is also seeking to be selected as Scottish Labour’s top regional list candidate for the Highlands and Islands Region ahead of next May’s poll.
Mr Erskine, who has worked as an advisor for former Scottish Labour Party Leader, Kezia Dugdale and retiring Highlands and Islands MSP, David Stewart said: “It’s a privilege to have been selected by local members as the Scottish Labour and Cooperative Party candidate for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch at next year’s Holyrood elections.
“I’m looking forward to taking the fight to the SNP and the Tories all over the Highlands and Islands in the run up to the election, challenging the SNP on their shameful record on COVID-19 in care homes, health inequalities and Scotland’s failing education system as well as the Conservative’s cruel benefit cuts and Brexit shambles.
“The SNP have failed the Highlands and Islands and are simply focussed on another divisive referendum at a time when we should be coming together and seeking to build back better in the wake of the pandemic.
“I want our area to be the best place in the UK to grow up, work, study, do business and grow old in. We need better transport and digital connectivity to keep our region competitive and give our young people reasons to stay.
"I’m passionate about fighting for the Highlands, Islands and Labour values and I relish the opportunity to hold the SNP and Tories to account in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch and right across the Highlands and Islands.”
Highlands and Islands Scottish Labour MSP, David Stewart said: “I’ve known John for over a decade now and worked with him for nearly as long. I know how hard working he is and believe he will be an excellent MSP for the area who will represent the constituency and region ably as part of the next generation of candidates coming through the party.
“He knows the Highlands and Islands and the issues facing our region. John will be a tireless campaigner on health, education, transport and digital connectivity.
“I wish him every success with his campaign and look forward to seeing him elected to Parliament next May.”
Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch Constituency Labour Party chair Les Hood said: “I am delighted that John Erskine will be challenging Kate Forbes for Scottish Labour as our candidate for the Holyrood elections.
“John is an excellent local candidate and campaigner, grounded in the constituency and he will challenge the SNP and Tories at every turn, always putting the Highlands and Islands first above party politics and constitutional turmoil.
“Local members and I will look forward to campaigning with him over the coming weeks and months."
