The Labour group on Moray Council are pinning their hopes of retaining the Elgin North seat on a 21-year-old former Elgin Academy pupil.
In the by-election forced by the resignation of former Labour councillor Barry Jarvis, the party have selected Craig Graham as their candidate in December’s poll.
Currently studying his final year of a degree course in History and Politics on the Elgin campus of the University of the Highlands and Islands, Mr Graham also works in a local shop.
The only other candidate announced so far for the vacant council seat is also a student, 19-year-old former Gordonstoun pupil Alex Griffiths will contest the seat for the Conservative party.
Following his selection Mr Graham said: “It is an honour to be chosen to represent Labour.
“I watched how hard they’ve worked over the last few years and I would love the chance help make a difference. It would be a privilege to follow in the footsteps of hard-working Elgin North Labour councillors like Barry Jarvis, Sandy Keith and Conal Smith.
“The people of Elgin North have voted strongly for Labour for many years but I will take nothing for granted.
“I am going to work day in day out to earn the trust of the voters because I think I’m just the kind of new voice the council needs. I have five pledges so far that I’m proud of and schools are priority one, two and three. I will always put Elgin’s schools first.”
Chairman of the Moray Labour Party, Sandy Keith, said he was delighted that Mr Graham was seeking election: “We’re delighted to announce Craig as our candidate. He’s a hard-working local lad.
“He lives, works and studies in Elgin and has the energy the council needs. I hope the people of Elgin North will put their faith in him. I believe they will want to replace one hard-working young Labour councillor with another hard-working young Labour councillor.”
Barry Jarvis, who gave up the seat to pursue a full time career as a Modern Studies teacher, said that he has known the candidate for several years: “He works hard and he’s very committed and that is exactly what Elgin North needs.
“His selection is another great example of Moray Labour putting its faith in young people and giving them the chance to shine. I’m sure he will.”
Voters can follow Craig’s campaign at www.facebook.com/CraigForElgin.
Candidates for the Elgin City North by-election have until November 7 to lodge their nomination papers for the by-election which will take place on Thursday, December 11.