A FORMER East Lothian Council leader and the office manager for a Scottish Government minister have stepped forward in a bid to become the county’s MSP.

Councillor Paul McLennan, who represents Dunbar and East Linton, and Iain Whyte, office manager for Paul Wheelhouse, South of Scotland MSP and energy minister, both want to become the SNP’s East Lothian candidate at the Scottish Parliamentary elections in 2021.

Others are likely to throw their hat into the ring. The party will announce its candidate in about late October.

East Lothian will have a new MSP when the elections take place next May.

Iain Gray (Labour) has held the seat since 2007 but announced he would be stepping down.

Councillor Craig Hoy, who represents Haddington and Lammermuir ward on East Lothian Council, is the only candidate announced, representing the Conservatives.

Mr McLennan said: “I believe I have the combination of skills, experience and recognition to become the MSP for East Lothian – I’ve been a councillor for Dunbar and East Linton ward for 13 years and served as council leader from 2010 to 2012.”

Mr Whyte, who was brought up in Whitecraig, lives in Prestonpans and has previously served as the SNP’s election agent in East Lothian. He said: “The primary responsibility of any MSP has to be their constituents’ welfare and I would hope that my experience of supporting constituents will stand me in good stead.”