A COUNCILLOR and a former councillor have thrown their hats into the ring to become the SNP candidate for next year’s Westminster election.

Councillor Paul McLennan – who represents Dunbar and East Linton and is a previous leader of the council – and former Fa’side councillor Ruth Currie are in the running, alongside Prestonpans community councillor DJ Johnston-Smith and journalist George Kerevan.

Mrs Currie, married to Councillor Stuart Currie, who is leader of the SNP group on East Lothian Council, lost her Fa’side seat in the local authority elections in 2012.

Her husband was widely tipped to stand but ruled himself out due to “family health reasons”.

If her candidacy is successful, she has pledged to back community group the Coastal Regeneration Alliance and their vision for the future of the Cockenzie Power Station site, ahead of Scottish Enterprise’s plans for a giant energy park there.

Mrs Currie said: “I may have been focused in recent times on my [online] business but in our house you are never far away from the world of politics. I feel the time is right for me to represent the county I grew up in and love.

“I am in support of the CRA, I support what they are trying to do and their initiative with the Cockenzie Power Station site. We cannot always agree with what Scottish Enterprise proposes.” Former council leader Paul McLennan is a Parliamentary researcher for South of Scotland MSP Chic Brodie.

He said: “The referendum campaign was the most uplifting political experience of my life; it was a vision that enthused so many across Scotland.

“I believe it’s wrong that one in three children in Scotland are in poverty in our rich nation, while we are ready to spend £100bn on Trident.

“I will also fight on a campaign that ensures no fracking will take place in East Lothian.” And he added: “I want to lead a campaign that gives hope to the people who have been let down by Westminster.” Announcing his decision to accept a nomination, Mr Johnston-Smith, who led the Yes East Lothian referendum campaign, said: “[During the referendum], I gained an enormous and unrivaled insight into where our strengths and weaknesses are across the county and was fortunate enough to help grow one the most talented and passionate bunch of Yes volunteers anywhere in the country.

“It was the longest, most energising grassroots political campaign in modern history and I was lucky enough to be right at the very heart of it here in East Lothian.” Journalist, author and broadcaster Mr Kerevan said on his Facebook page: “We [the SNP] need to win East Lothian. I have the communications skills, campaigning and fundraising experience, national profile and team-building enthusiasm to deliver.

“A hung parliament could mean punishing, all-night sittings and constant media scrutiny, but I would relish the chance to take Scotland’s fight to the enemy camp.” Ballot papers go out to SNP members this weekend and the vote closes on January 10.