THE chairperson of North Berwick Community Council has been chosen by the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party to stand in next year’s East Lothian Council election for North Berwick Coastal ward.

Judy Lockhart-Hunter says she is “absolutely delighted” to have been selected to stand at the election next May.

The Conservatives have also confirmed that sitting councillor Jeremy Findlay will be seeking re-election.

Party colleague Jane Henderson previously confirmed she would be stepping down at the election.

Judy was born and raised in the ward and added that she was “acutely aware of the challenges facing local people on a day-to-day basis”.

She has already raised issues surrounding the difficulties with parking, as well as concerns over access to health services, in particular the closure of the Edington Hospital.

Judy, who works in financial services, audit and compliance, has been a member of the community council for the last five years, and chairperson for three, playing an active part in the local community, helping head up the community council’s resilience team and supporting local charities such as Beach Wheelchairs and RNLI.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen to stand for the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party in North Berwick Coastal ward.

“This is the ward where I have been proud to call home all my life and it would be a privilege to represent the communities of this ward on the council.

“I am looking forward to getting out and about over the next few weeks and listening to the issues that are of concern to those living here.

“I am passionate about ensuring community representation.

“I am currently working on the campaign to ensure that those across the ward have access to health services. I have been working with Craig Hoy MSP on the issue and we have secured a meeting with the Health Secretary in January.”

Meanwhile, fellow candidate Jeremy said: “I am delighted to have been selected to stand for re-election next May.

“I look forward to continuing to get out and speaking with as many residents as possible about the issues that face them.”

South Scotland Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Craig Hoy said: “Judy is a respected local resident and a strong local campaigner.

“She will be a highly effective councillor and I look forward to working with her and Jeremy.”

The only other candidate so far confirmed for North Berwick Coastal is Jacq Cottrell, who will represent the Scottish Green Party.

Labour councillor Jim Goodfellow has also announced previously he will not stand for re-election.