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New MP says he will represent all communities in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey





Graham Leadbitter addresses the floor after winning the new Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat for the SNP at the election count at Elgin Town Hall. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Graham Leadbitter addresses the floor after winning the new Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat for the SNP at the election count at Elgin Town Hall. Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

Badenoch and Strathspey’s new MP has pledged that the area will not get sidelined after the change of boundaries at Westminster.

Graham Leadbitter (49) from Elgin, won the new Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat for the SNP in the General Election last Thursday.

Mr Leadbitter has his roots very much in Moray and the local constituency has been part of the Highland Council administrative region for many years until now.

The new MP told the Strathy he was here to serve every constituent.

He said: “It was very clear to me through this election campaign that there are a number of key issues such as the cost of living crisis and the impact of 14 years of Tory austerity that have affected everyone across the constituency from the Moray coast to the Cairngorms.

“There are also distinctive issues in the coastal regions, urban areas and Highland communities.

“One of the best aspects of the campaign was getting to know the communities in the strath that I knew less well than Moray.

“What struck me most was the fantastic welcome that I received and the resilient nature of these communities.

“I am here to serve all of the communities in the constituency and there will be opportunities in the summer such as the local Highland Games and agricultural shows for me to get out and about and meet as many people as possible.”

Mr Leadbitter intends to also start hosting surgeries in the region ‘relatively soon’.

He explained: “As soon as I get one member of staff , I will be starting with the surgeries so hopefully that will be in just a few weeks’ time.”

He said that he was aware of the issues surrounding the long-running saga surrounding Cairngorm funicular, adding: “Interestingly, however, it did not crop up on the local election campaign trail.

“The cost of living crisis was without a doubt the biggest issue raised on the doorstep along with the lack of affordable housing for young people in the strath.

“A permanent solution needs to be found urgently for the Cairngorm funicular and I intend to meet with Highlands and Islands Enterprise at the earliest opportunity to discuss this amongst other issues in the constituency.

“It is important to me personally that I build relationships with key local organisations such as HIE, Highland Council and the Cairngorms National Park Authority.”

Mr Leadbitter served as an councillor for the Elgin City South ward on Moray Council from 2007.

He was made the co-leader of the SNP grouping on the council in 2017 and between 2018 and 2022 he served as council leader.

He was then co-leader of the SNP opposition grouping on the council.


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