EAST Lothian's MSP will stand for re-election next year.

Iain Gray was unanimously confirmed as the local Labour Party's choice to represent the party in the election next May.

Mr Gray, who has been the county's MSP since 2007, described it as “a great privilege and honour” to represent the county in the Scottish Parliament.

He said: “I have done my utmost to be a strong voice for local communities and defend the county against the SNP Government’s neglect and incompetence.

“There is no doubt that we face a tough fight here in the months ahead.

“Despite their many policy failings, particularly on our schools, health service and policing, the SNP continue to ride high in the polls.

“However, this election will be different in that the SNP have to defend their record in power over the last nine years.

“That record is poor to say the least and we have been particularly badly-served here in East Lothian.

“Whether its opposing the closure of Haddington’s courts, campaigning to keep local police stations open to the public, supporting local decision-making against centralising SNP Ministers or backing the fight against the absurd industrial energy park proposal at Cockenzie, I have always put East Lothian first.

“I can give local people a guarantee that if they put their faith in me again at the next election, I will continue to put the county’s interests first.”

Councillor Jim Goodfellow, the newly-elected chairman of the local Labour group, was among those backing Mr Gray ahead of the election.

He described as “an outstanding champion for East Lothian” over the last eight years and added: “He is without doubt one of the most experienced and effective members of the Scottish Parliament and he has consistently defended East Lothian against the SNP’s centralising agenda.

“His track record of helping constituents, being accessible and standing up for East Lothian is second to none.

“It gives us a strong platform to contest what will certainly be a very hard fought campaign next year.”