The Holyrood list rankings for the four remaining regions of Scotland have been announced by the Scottish Conservatives today.
Ballot papers were sent out to tens of thousands of party members and people who had demonstrated support for the Scottish Conservatives across Scotland.
It means the regional list rankings have been decided entirely by a public vote, making the Scottish Conservatives’ selection system the most democratic in the country.
Yesterday, the rankings were announced for four regions, and that was followed today by the results for Glasgow, Highlands and Islands, Mid Scotland and Fife, and the North East.
They are as follows:
GLASGOW –
Adam Tomkins
Annie Wells
Sheila Mechan
Kyle Thornton
John Anderson
Graham Hutchison
Thomas Kerr
Taylor Muir
Thomas Haddow
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS –
Douglas Ross
Edward Mountain
Donald Cameron
Jamie Halcro-Johnston
Malcolm Mackay
Struan Mackie
Cameron Smith
MID SCOTLAND AND FIFE –
Murdo Fraser
Liz Smith
Dean Lockhart
Alexander Stewart
Huw Bell
James Reekie
Dave Dempsey
Alex Stewart-Clark
Martin Laidlaw
NORTH EAST –
Alex Johnstone
Alexander Burnett
Ross Thomson
Peter Chapman
Liam Kerr
Bill Bowman
Nicola Ross
Colin Clark
Derek Wann
Seb Leslie
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said:
“This has been the most democratic system any of the parties have used to rank candidates for the regional list.
“We intend to make great progress in May, and the list vote is going to be vital for getting more Conservative MSPs into Holyrood.
“Now voters can see where their vote will be going if they back the Scottish Conservatives.
“We are the only real alternative to the SNP, and the only party serious about Scotland’s place at the heart of Britain.
“I’m delighted we have such a talented group of candidates on our various regional lists.”
Ends
Notes to editors:
Below are biographies of some of the new intake who feature on the regional list. For photographs of candidates contact the Scottish Conservative press office or visit:
http://www.scottishconservatives.com/people/candidates-2/
GLASGOW:
Adam Tomkins – Professor of law at Glasgow University and member of the Smith Commission for the devolution of more powers to the Scottish Parliament. Aged 46 and has four children. Makes regular appearances as a political commentator on television and radio. After May’s election, was appointed constitutional adviser to the Scotland Office.
“Scotland’s political health is ailing. The rise and rise of the SNP, combined with the collapse of both the Scottish Liberal Democrats and the Labour party, presents grave risks. Whoever forms he next Scottish Government, it is clear that the only effective, principled and robust opposition to the SNP is going to come from us, the Scottish Conservatives.”
Annie Wells – Senior manager at a high street retailer, and was a candidate at the 2015 General Election in Glasgow, putting on hundreds of votes. Mother of one.
“Only the Conservatives have the optimism that in every person is the desire to do well: for ourselves, our families and, of course, for our communities.”
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS:
Donald Cameron – Originally from Lochaber and aged 38, married with three children. Graduated from Oxford in 1999 and qualified as an advocate in 2005.
“After many years wasted by the SNP, who only care about destroying our beloved country, a new generation of Scottish Conservatives has a huge opportunity next May.”
Edward Mountain – Soldier, surveyor, farmer and businessman, he has been married for 29 years and has three children. Longstanding association with the party which began with campaigning in the 1983 General Election.
“As an ex-soldier I know how and when to fight, and as a successful businessman I know how to achieve the best results.”
Douglas Ross – has been a councillor in Moray since 2007. Increased the Conservative vote in May 2015 by 5000. Works as one of Scotland’s most respected assistant referees in the SPFL and is a FIFA official.
“If elected as MSP I will fight for all the people of the Highlands and Islands without fear or favour. We need to make Holyrood listen to our voice. My pledge is that I will provide that voice.”
MID SCOTLAND AND FIFE:
Dean Lockhart – Has worked advising businesses and governments across the world for the past two decades. Grew up on a council estate before living in places such as Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.
“I want to share my experience of how world-class government policy can create better lives for everyone through job creation, economic expansion and spending the additional government income on better public services.”
Alexander Stewart – Has been a Conservative councillor in Perth and Kinross for 16 years, holding a number of roles including leader of the opposition. Previously worked in retail before setting up his own business in Crieff.
“The new Scotland Bill must bring an end to the perpetual appeasement of the nationalists. The referendum has divided the country but the result was decisive.”
NORTH EAST:
Alexander Burnett – Local businessman who stood in the West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine seat in May’s General Election. Helps to coach his local rugby team and helps a range of organisations.
“The election in May is a huge opportunity for the Scottish Conservatives, so electing candidates with a winning track record is vital.”
Ross Thomson – Local councillor in Aberdeen who has lived in the north east his whole life. Has also worked outside politics for the Bank of Scotland and Debenhams. Aged 28.
“I have a proven track record of getting things done as a councillor, which includes the third Don crossing and delivering 2030 affordable homes. I understand the big issues facing local people and am an experienced community campaigner.”