DOUGLAS Alexander, Labour’s Lothian East candidate for the next UK General Election, has declared that the party is ready for the election and to deliver the change he says people want, following the local party’s AGM at Prestonpans Labour Club.

Coming after Scottish Labour’s victory in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, the East Lothian Constituency Labour Party (CLP) AGM saw a new team elected to the CLP’s executive committee.

Former East Lothian MSP Iain Gray will continue as CLP chair and Pauline O’Brien as secretary. Councillor Shamin Akhtar becomes one of two vice-chairs, joining fellow councillor Fiona Dugdale.

The new campaign co-ordinator is former East Lothian MP Fiona O’Donnell, while Councillor Brooke Ritchie will now lead the party’s social media activity.

READ MORE: Douglas Alexander named Labour's East Lothian Westminster candidate

After the formal business, Mr Alexander provided an update on his campaign.

He said: “Over recent months, on doorsteps from Musselburgh to Dunbar, I’ve heard a strikingly consistent message: people across East Lothian feel let down by two failing governments and have a sense that it’s time for change. At the East Lothian Labour Party AGM, we discussed our responsibility to keep listening, working and campaigning to earn local people’s support in the months between now and the General Election.

“Times are really tough right now and, whether it’s by tackling NHS waiting lists or rising household bills, Labour is determined to be the change the country needs.”

READ MORE: Douglas Alexander is Labour's East Lothian Westminster candidate

Mr Gray added: “East Lothian Labour is a fantastic team and I’m delighted to continue as chair as we enter the crucial election year.

“We will be laser-focused on winning here to play our part in electing a Labour government.

“I look forward to working with Douglas and the rest of the team to ensure a Labour gain here and help deliver the change we need.”