THE SNP have announced their candidate for the new Lothian East seat in the 2024 General Election.

Iain Whyte was selected by members of the party in East Lothian after two hustings that took place in North Berwick and Tranent on Monday and Wednesday respectively.

Mr Whyte, a former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil, lives in Prestonpans and stood as an SNP candidate for the local council elections in 2022.

On that occasion he missed out on being voted a councillor for the Musselburgh ward.

He also served as an office manager for former South Scotland MSP Paul Wheelhouse.

Mr Whyte took to social media to share his delight at being selected to become the SNP's candidate.

He said: "Honoured to be selected by East Lothian SNP members in my home county!

"The campaign I lead will be focused on the potential of East Lothian and the opportunities ahead.

"Can’t wait to get started on that journey."

He overcame Robert Connell, a teacher from Edinburgh, who has worked in various roles in the party for 15 years.

Mr Whyte added: "Huge thanks also to Robert Connell for the way he ran his campaign and for his very kind words.

"It’s never easy putting yourself forward for election and anyone who does so and attempts to drive forward our national debate has my absolute respect!"

The only other confirmed candidate for the seat so far is Labour’s Douglas Alexander.

In June, the Boundary Commission for Scotland announced that the East Lothian seat at Westminster would now be called Lothian East.

Currently, Kenny MacAskill is the sitting MP. He was elected as an SNP candidate in 2019 before defecting to the newly formed ALBA Party.