 |
'A survey of voting intentions by the Ipsos MORI organisation revealed a massive swing to the SNP in both the constituency and list sections of the Holyrood voting system. In just three months, Labour has slipped from a 14-point lead over the SNP to being two points behind them. Just 28 per cent of voters said they would back Labour in a Holyrood election compared with 30 per cent who opted for the SNP.' Peter MacMahon in the Scotsman 1 st July 2006. |
 |
 |
1. Kenny MacAskill MSP (Also standing in Edinburgh East & Musselburgh constituency) |
 |
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Kenny MacAskill was born in Edinburgh on the 28 th April 1956 and educated at Linlithgow Academy and Edinburgh University where he graduated with a LLB (Hons). From 1984 until 2000 he worked as a Senior Partner in an Edinburgh law firm. Kenny has been a Lothians MSP since 1999. As Shadow Justice and Home Affairs Minister, he is a member of the Shadow Cabinet. He is a long standing member of the SNP's NEC and was National Treasurer and Vice Convener Policy when he was also the SNP's Poll Tax spokesperson, leading the party's popular 'Can Pay, Won't Pay' campaign. He stood for the Deputy leadership in 2000, polling 323 votes (41.4 %) on the second ballot, compared to 457 (58.6 %) for Roseanna Cunningham. He stood in Edinburgh East & Musselburgh in both 1999 and 2003. He is married with two sons.
Shadow Ministerial Posts: May 1999 - September 2000 - Shadow Minister for Transport & the Environment September 2000 - April 2003 - Shadow Minister for Enterprise & Lifelong Learning May 2003 - September 2004 - Shadow Minister for Tourism, Transport & Telecommunications September 2004 - Shadow Minister for Justice Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Edinburgh East & Musselburgh, 6,497 votes (22.37 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, First on SNP Lothians list, 43,142 votes (16.24 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Edinburgh East & Musselburgh, 10,372 votes (28.04 %) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Second on SNP Lothians list, 85,085 votes (25.74 %) (elected) 1997 Westminster election, Linlithgow, 10,631 votes (26.81 %) 1992 Westminster election, Linlithgow, 14,577 votes (30.34 %) 1990 Lothian Regional Council election, Bathgate/Armadale, 2,632 votes (40.50 %) 1989 European election, Mid Scotland & Fife, 50,089 votes (22.58 %) 1987 Westminster election, Livingston, 6,969 votes (16.62 %) 1983 Westminster election, Livingston, 5,090 votes (13.47 %) | ||
 |
2. Fiona Hyslop MSP (Also standing in Linlithgow constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Fiona Hyslop was born in Ayrshire on the 1 st of August 1964 and educated at Ayr Academy, Glasgow University where she graduated with an MA (Hons) in Economic History and Sociology and the Scottish College of Textiles where she obtained a Postgraduate Dip in Industrial Administration. From 1986 until her election in 1999 she worked as a Brand Development Manager for the Standard Life Assurance Company. Fiona has been a Lothians MSP since 1999. She lives in West Lothian with her husband and three children. She joined the SNP 1986 and is a previous SNP Vice Convener for Policy and currently serves on the SNP Executive Committee. She is currently Shadow Minister for Children, Education & Lifelong Learning and is a member of the Parliament's Education Committee. In her spare time Fiona enjoys time with her family, gardening and swimming.
Shadow Ministerial Posts: May 1999 - June 2001 - Shadow Minister for Housing & Social Justice June 2001 - April 2003 Shadow Parliament Minister and Strategy May 2003 - Shadow Minister for Education & Lifelong Learning Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Linlithgow, 9,578 votes (34.65 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Second on SNP Lothians list, 43,142 votes (16.24 %) (elected) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Third on SNP Lothians list, 85,085 votes (25.74 %) (elected) 1997 Westminster election, Edinburgh Central, 6,750 votes (15.80 %) 1994 Lothian Regional Council elections 1992 Westminster election, Edinburgh Leith, 8,805 votes (21.85 %) 1990 Lothian Regional Council election, Moat/Stenhouse, 1,347 votes (21.98 %) 1988 Edinburgh District Council elections | ||
 |
3. Dr Ian McKee (Also standing in Edinburgh Pentlands constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Born in South Shields, educated at Fettes College, and Edinburgh University where he graduated in medicine, Ian is married with 5 children. After RAF service, Ian became a GP at Sighthill and Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, becoming senior partner in 1980. He has an interest in community affairs and is a member of the Wester Hailes Health Agency, the Broomhouse Beacon Club, and was a member of the 1998 Lord Provost of Edinburgh's Commission on Social Exclusion. Dr McKee was previously an RAF medical officer and is Scottish Advisor to the British Pharmaceutical Industry Association and a member of the British Medical Association. He joined the SNP in 1998 and was a member of the SNP Social Welfare Advisory Forum. For seven years he wrote the weekly Daily Record 'Doc' column and has extensive writing and broadcasting experience.
Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Edinburgh Pentlands, 5,620 votes (16.84 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Third on SNP Lothians list, 43,142 votes (16.24 %) 2001 Westminster election, Edinburgh Central, 4,832 votes (14.05 %) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Edinburgh Central, 9,598 votes (25.65 %) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Seventh on SNP Lothians list, 85,085 votes (25.74 %) | ||
 |
4. Cllr Angela Constance (Also standing in Livingston constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Cllr Angela Constance is the SNP Group Spokesperson for children services and lifelong learning on West Lothian Council. She was born in Blackburn and raised in Addiewell and West Calder. She attended local schools and completed her education at the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling. Angela is 34 years old and is currently employed as a Social Worker & Mental Health Officer. She continues to reside in West Lothian with her husband. She completed the Edinburgh marathon in 2004 raising money for a children's charity. Angela is Councillor for Carmondean Ward in the constituency and was re-elected for the third time in 2003 with an increased majority. Following the death of the Rt Hon Robin Cook, Angela Constance was the SNP candidate at the 2006 Livingston by-election with a swing to the SNP from Labour of 10.2 %. She is stepping down from West Lothian Council in 2003 in order to concentrate on winning Livingston from Labour. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster Parliament by-election, Livingston, 9,639 votes (32.70 %) 2005 Westminster Parliament election, Livingston, 9,560 votes (21.56 %) 2003 West Lothian Council election, Carmondean, 985 votes (56.1 %) (elected) 1999 West Lothian Council election, Carmondean, 1,012 votes (50.3 %) (elected) 1997 West Lothian Council by-election, Carmondean, 1,339 votes (48.0 %) (elected) | ||
 |
5. Stefan Tymkewycz | |
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Former policeman and now self employed in the property services industry. Travelled extensively and worked abroad in France, Greece and Germany. Born in 1959 in Abbeyhill in the constituency and now back living in Abbeyhill. I gained the highest vote of any SNP council candidate in Edinburgh in 2003 and came within 205 of defeating the Deputy Leader of the city council. The 2004 European electionresult in Edinburgh East was the closest ever between Labour and the SNP in Edinburgh East. The gap was a record low of 8.7%. SNP History 1997-1999 London Branch tele-canvassing Organiser 2001 - Branch & CA organiser 2002- Member of NOC and Regional organiser 2003 Council Candidate 2004 Branch convenor & Elected member of Disciplinary Committee. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Edinburgh East, 6,760 votes (17.02 %) 2003 Edinburgh City Council election, Meadowbank, 908 votes (27.62 %) | ||
 |
6. Shirley-Anne Somerville (Also standing in Edinburgh Central constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Shirley-Anne Somerville was born in Kirkcaldy in 1974. She trained to become a Housing Officer at Stirling University and working briefly for Fife Council. After the opening of the Scottish Parliament, she worked for the SNP in Parliament before becoming Policy and Public Affairs Officer for the Chartered Institute of Housing. She currently works for the Royal College of Nursing as Media and Campaigns Officer. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband, Myles. Shirley-Anne joined the SNP when she was 16 and was the SNP candidate for the Kirkcaldy constituency in the 2001 Westminster elections. She was an election agent in Edinburgh Central and Edinburgh South West in the 2003 and 2005 elections respectively. She is a previous member of the SNP National Executive Committee and is currently Convener of Edinburgh Central SNP Branch. She explains why she believes in Independence: 'When we look around Europe we don't question Denmark's right to independence, we don't suggest to Norwegians that they might want to give up the right to govern themselves and we don't worry that the economy of Luxembourg is going to go bankrupt just because they have a population of less than half a million. To me Scottish independence is all about our nation having the confidence to take responsibility for its own future. When we look around Europe we don't question Denmark's right to independence, we don't suggest to Norwegians that they might want to give up the right to govern themselves and we don't worry that the economy of Luxembourg is going to go bankrupt just because they have a population of less than half a million. We even congratulate countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia when they achieve their own independence. No-one would have dreamt of suggesting to them that they didn't have the right to do go their own way because they were too small or too stupid. Independence is normal. Countries have the right to make their own decisions and Scotland should be no different. I'm proud of my country and what we have achieved but we could do so much more if we were independent. All people living in Scotland and those who will move here to join us in the future can build a country which not only takes care of its own people but plays its full part on the world stage. There are currently 191 countries represented at the United Nations. Rather than having to explain why we should join them the real question is what is stopping us? Recent electoral experience 2001 Westminster election, Kirkcaldy, 6,264 votes (22.25 %) | ||
 |
7. Colin Beattie (Also standing in Midlothian constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Colin is married and lives by Dalkeith, Midlothian. He has spent his entire career in Financial Services, working in a number of posts both in UK and overseas. Colin has been active in politics for some years and is currently local SNP Convener for Dalkeith & District. He also stood for election in Newtongrange Ward in 2003 coming second. He has been involved in supporting local campaigning issues such as the closure of rural schools in Midlothian and post office closures. Recent electoral experience 2003 Midlothian Council election, Newtongrange, 676 votes (36.05 %) | ||
 |
8. Graham Sutherland (Was originally also to stand in Edinburgh South constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Graham is a teacher of Modern Studies at an Edinburgh comprehensive school. He joined the SNP in 1973 and has held a number of posts in the SNP at local and national level. Graham is an experienced candidate having stood in the 2001 and 2005 Westminster and 1999 and 2003 Scottish Parliament elections. As a member of the SNP's education advisory group, he has played an active role in formulating party policy. Graham has been a regular speaker at SNP Annual Conference and National Council. Graham's interests include foreign travel, cycling and choral singing. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Edinburgh South, 2,635 votes (6.17 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Midlothian, 5,597 votes (23.76 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Sixth on SNP Lothians list, 43,142 votes (16.24 %) 2001 Westminster election, Livingston, 8,492 votes (23.57 %) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Edinburgh West, 6,984 votes (16.80 %) 1999 Scottish Parliament election, Ninth on SNP Lothians list, 85,085 votes (25.74 %) | ||
 |
9. Davie Hutchison (Also standing in Edinburgh North & Leith constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| David is the Organiser of the Edinburgh SNP City Association and a member of Edinburgh branch. The forthcoming Westminster election will be David's first as a candidate. He was born in Glasgow in 1981, was educated at Greenfaulds High School, Cumbernauld and holds an MA (Hons) in Politics and Contemporary European Studies from Dundee University. After graduating in 2002 David moved to Edinburgh to work as a Press Researcher and since November 2003 has been employed as a Researcher and Constituency Officer for Lothians MSP Kenny MacAskill. Outside of politics he is a member of the Scottish Society of Playwrights and the National Union of Journalists. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster parliament election, Edinburgh North & Leith, 4,344 votes (10.19 %) | ||
 |
10. Alex Orr | |
| Scottish National Party | ||
| A member of Edinburgh South constituency SNP, Alex previously stood in Council Elections for Prestonfield and Merchiston wards. He is a member of the party's Appeals Committee and has previously stood for the post of National Secretary. A Board member of the European Movement, he is a regional organiser for the pro-euro Scotland in Europe campaign and established the vote16 campaign planning to reduce the voting age to 16. He is also a member of Fairshare - Scotland's campaign for fair votes in Local government. Recent electoral experience 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Edinburgh South, 4,396 votes (14.09 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Eighth on SNP Lothians list, 43,142 votes (16.24 %) 2003 Edinburgh City Council election, Fountainbridge, 402 votes (17.76 %) 2001 Edinburgh City Council by-election, Prestonfield, 149 votes (10.11 %) 1999 Edinburgh City Council election, Merchiston, 493 votes (12.77 %) | ||
 |
11. Sheena Cleland (Also standing in Edinburgh West constituency) |
|
| Scottish National Party | ||
| Sheena stood for the Scottish Parliament in 2003 on the Lothians list. She is Convener of West Edinburgh Branch SNP where she has stood three times for council wards. From 1999-2004 she worked with Professor Sir Neil MacCormick MEP in his constituency office in Edinburgh. During the 2001 General Election, Sheena acted as International Media Press Officer for the SNP, as well as being Campaign Manager locally. Born in Edinburgh, Sheena graduated from Edinburgh University with an MA Hons in French and Italian. She now runs her own communications business. Sheena is married and lives in Edinburgh. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, Edinburgh West, 4,124 votes (9.11 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Tenth on SNP Lothians list, 43,142 votes (16.24 %) 2003 Edinburgh City Council election, Dalmeny/Kirkliston, 496 votes (21.62 %) 2001 Edinburgh City Council by-election, South East Corstorphine, 109 votes (5.48 %) | ||
Return to home page