THERE is not a single household in Scotland that hasn’t benefitted in some way from the policies of the SNP in government since 2007.

But, after 17 years of Labour holding the East Lothian Holyrood seat, there are many issues here that yearn for a more vocal and committed champion.

It’s abundantly clear that we need new political representation at our Parliament to voice our county’s needs and concerns. Last year, our local electorate decided that, after almost five decades of complacent Labour representation at Westminster, East Lothian deserved a new direction and elected George Kerevan; this year, I hope we can continue that political journey.

Nicola Sturgeon launched the SNP’s comprehensive manifesto of measures that we will put in place during the next Parliament if the Scottish electorate give us the opportunity on May 5. As the other parties fight each other for second or third place, we have produced a comprehensive programme for government. Reading their proposals, it’s increasingly evident that only the SNP has the strength, the unity and the breadth of vision to keep Scotland moving forward towards a fairer, more prosperous country.

If re-elected, we will revolutionise our education system to give all our children and young people the best chance of success in life. That means free childcare almost doubled, improving standards in our schools, closing the attainment gap between the poorest and richest children, and an absolute guarantee of no front-end or back-door tuition fees. We will continue to build and invest in our NHS, with nearly £2bn of extra investment keeping healthcare in public hands, free at the point of need; with guaranteed increased investment every year of the next Scottish Parliament, action to tackle cancer and support mental health. Delivering healthcare closer to home.

We will deliver more and better-paid jobs, by supporting businesses to innovate, export and grow; expanding our existing package of support for small businesses; introducing 30,000 modern apprenticeships a year by 2020-21; working continuously to provide fair work and fair pay for all.

We will use our new social security powers with dignity and respect to provide increased support for carers, to abolish the hated Tory Bedroom Tax, and ensure better support for our vulnerable people.

We will put the people of Scotland in the driving seat, determining the services they rely on, empowering schools and communities, protecting rights and setting out a path for our future.

East Lothian deserves an MSP who will champion all our communities, lifting everyone with the rising tide. We simply don’t need to be represented during another Parliamentary term by party political sniping from the sidelines and petty oppositionism. That’s old politics. A new Scotland needs politicians that match the ambitions of our people, always seeking opportunities to make Scotland stronger.

So, my message is simple: re-elect Nicola Sturgeon MSP as your First Minister for a strong, progressive government and put your faith in me to place our county at the heart of government thinking.