Labour announces candidate to fight new Badenoch and Strathspey constituency at Westminster
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Labour has announced its candidate for the forthcoming General Election for the new seat of Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey.
James Hynam is a frontline NHS worker from Forres, and chairman of the parent council at Kinloss Primary School.
He received backing from local members before being unanimously approved by a panel of the Labour Party’s Scottish Executive Committee to contest the seat which covers Badenoch as well.
Mr Hynam said: “It is an enormous honour to have been selected to represent the Labour Party in this coming General Election. I am especially grateful to the local party who have been so supportive.
“I grew up under the last Labour government and I know how much better things are when Labour is in power.
“The enormous achievements of the last Labour government have been systematically eroded, however, by 14 years of cuts and incompetence.
“I have put myself forward because I believe the people of Moray, Nairn, and Strathspey deserve better than the two governments – Tory and SNP – that have let us down so badly.
“Scotland needs a clean break and a fresh start, and I believe that is what I represent.”
His selection was welcomed by Councillor Sandy Keith, the chair of the local Labour Party.
He said: “It’s great to have a young, enthusiastic, local candidate for the new seat of Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey.
“Given the sheer size of the new seat I think some youthful energy will be needed!
“I know from my own experience as a councillor that James is well-regarded by his community in Forres and Kinloss.
“Politics has become quite indecent in recent years so I think the voters will welcome a candidate with James’ sense of service and decency.”
Labour has said the party is confident of a strong showing in the new seat.
A party spokesperson said: “Poll after poll has shown Labour in second in the new seat, with some surveys even suggesting Labour could take the seat.”
Drew Hendry (SNP) is currently MP for Badenoch and Strathspey but he will be standing for the new Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire constituency at the next General Election.
