MORE than 30 candidates have now been announced to represent communities throughout the county at the upcoming East Lothian Council elections.
Residents will go to the polls in less than two months to elect the county’s 22 councillors.
This week, the SNP announced seven new candidates, while Labour confirmed another four and the Scottish Greens a further two.
For the SNP, the names announced are a mixture of sitting councillors – Tom Trotter, Neil Gilbert and Kenny McLeod – and new faces – Janis Wilson, Lee-Anne Menzies, Lyn Jardine and Graeme MacGregor.
Mr Trotter currently represents the Haddington and Lammermuir ward and will be joined on the ballot by Mr MacGregor.
A former vice-chairman of the town’s community council and chairman of the Nungate Gala, Mr Trotter has represented the town on East Lothian Council since being elected in 2007.
He said: “It has been a privilege to serve the people of Haddington and Lammermuir over the years, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve for a further term.
“Our SNP platform is about ensuring the best quality of life for the people of our communities: ensuring proper care for our elders, keeping our streets safe, promoting and working with our fantastic local community and businesses.”
Mr MacGregor previously worked as a construction worker and also spent 10 years working for East Lothian Council.
He said: “I look forward to campaigning with Tom Trotter to put forward our vision for Haddington and Lammermuir: improved employment opportunities, better amenities for a better quality of life, and support for people and families who need it during this cost of living crisis.”
Meanwhile, in the Preston Seton Gosford ward, Mr Gilbert is looking to retain his seat.
He said: “Since becoming a councillor in 2017, I have become aware of the varied problems in the ward, many of which are shared across East Lothian.
“We still have far too many families waiting for a council home to rent.
“The ward unfortunately still contains areas of poverty and deprivation, which will only be exacerbated by the massive rise in energy prices coming later this year.
“The development of the former Cockenzie Power Station site needs to be accelerated to provide local well-paid employment opportunities and, as a coastal community, we need to deal with the growing problem of coastal erosion.”
Meanwhile, Ms Wilson is a former florist and the current secretary of Prestonpans Community Council.
She said: “As a community councillor, I know we face huge challenges ahead but I’m also well aware of the limitless potential that is just waiting to be unlocked.
“Our platform will be one that prioritises regeneration and puts the community first.
“It would be an honour to be elected alongside Neil and be able to work for the betterment of Preston Seton Gosford.”
Mr McLeod has been a councillor for Tranent and the surrounding area since 2007.
The former Hearts and Tranent Juniors footballer said: “This area has always been a very strong and tight-knit community, which has allowed me to build links with local businesses, projects and charities and get a real understanding of where we as a local authority can be doing more to support them.
“I’m looking forward to working with Lee-Anne to build on the achievements we’ve already made for the ward and protect that strong sense of community.”
Ms Menzies combines her roles as a supermarket worker and a senior caseworker for Ash Denham MSP, Community Safety and Legal Affairs Minister.
She said: “I have vast experience in roles that give me the opportunity, each and every day, to support and help people as best as I can.
“It would be the privilege of my life to be given the opportunity to serve the community that is also my home.
“In the challenging times we have ahead, I will offer the communities of Tranent, Wallyford, Macmerry and Whitecraig a solid and passionate advocate who will be fighting for them at every available chance.”
Ms Jardine, who is currently head of office for East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan, described it as “an honour” to be the party’s candidate for the Dunbar and East Linton ward.
She said: “I have lived in this community for over a decade with my family, so the chance to represent these beautiful communities as part of a new East Lothian Council is a privilege I do not take lightly.
“We already see the cost of living crisis affecting families across our communities.
“As price rises continue, I pledge, if elected, to work from day one to use my long career experience in housing, health and social care to support projects which will provide jobs, affordable housing, new infrastructure, will protect our environment and support our economy.”
Meanwhile, Labour, who currently have nine elected members on East Lothian Council, have announced another four candidates.
In Musselburgh, Andy Forrest, who was first elected in 2003, is looking to retain his seat and could be joined by first-time candidate Ruaridh Bennett.
Mr Forrest, who is depute provost of East Lothian and acting cabinet spokesperson for housing, said: “Having the privilege of representing my home town has been a great honour and one I have never taken for granted.
“I have always worked hard to represent the town’s interests and fight for a fair deal for my constituents and will continue to do so.
“There are many important issues facing Musselburgh and the town needs councillors with the right mix of experience and fresh ideas to represent it.”
Meanwhile, Mr Bennett is studying HND networking at Edinburgh College after attaining an NPA in networking, forensics and cyber security.
The 24-year-old Fisherrow resident said: “I want to ensure that the council is listening to young people and the issues that concern them, while as a trade unionist I’m keen to make sure we’re doing as much as possible to tackle poverty in Musselburgh.
“I believe that Labour has always fought for the interests of East Lothian and its residents, and I’m looking forward to continuing with that tradition.
“I want to be a voice for the whole town but especially for younger people who also need representation.”
Also confirmed as standing are East Lothian’s newest councillor Colin Yorkston and Brooke Ritchie in Preston Seton Gosford.
Mr Yorkston, who won January’s by-election, is chairman of East Lothian Labour Party.
He said: “There are many challenges for our area as we begin to recover from the pandemic and we need strong local champions.
“I believe that Brooke and I can provide the leadership and commitment to support local people and communities with the recovery.
“Protecting and enhancing vital local services will be the heart of that recovery work and I hope local people will again put their faith in us on May 5.”
Meanwhile, Miss Ritchie, a former head girl at Preston Lodge High School, is completing her studies at St Andrews University.
She said: “I love the area and would be absolutely delighted to represent it as a councillor.
“I can’t wait to start campaigning with Colin to build on the positive legacy previous Labour councillors have left.
“In particular, I want to use my own experience to help young people in the ward get the best possible start.
“That means supporting families, protecting funding for our schools and ensuring that all young people have access to quality jobs, apprenticeships or further and higher education.”
Finally, the Scottish Greens have announced that Mark James has replaced David Mumford as the candidate for the Dunbar and East Linton ward, while Marnie Stirling will represent the party in Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry.
Mr James has pledged to cycle or take the bus when carrying out all council duties if elected.
He said: “I am excited to have the opportunity to represent the community I have lived in for the past 21 years.
“We need to work together to tackle the climate crisis.”
Education and social care support worker Ms Stirling will be the party’s first candidate for the Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry ward.
She said: “East Lothian is a beautiful part of the world to live and work, but it is not without its challenges.
“Our Green candidates are brimming with ideas to transform East Lothian and deliver real positive change.”
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