Holyrood researcher throws hat in for parliamentary seat

John Erskine , Labour hopeful for the Highlands and Islands
John Erskine , Labour hopeful for the Highlands and Islands

A PARLIAMENTARY RESEARCHER for the Scottish Labour party leader Kezia Dugdale has launched his bid for a seat at the Scottish Parliament.

John Erskine launched his campaign this week to represent the Highlands and Islands constituency that includes Moray.

As well as working for Ms Dugdale, Mr Erskine also works for former Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray as a policy and parliamentary researcher. He also stood for a UK Parliamentary seat in the general election earlier this year.

Announcing his decision to run, Mr Erskine said: “Scottish Labour need a fresh start in the Highlands and Islands. It can no longer be business as usual for Scottish Labour in the Highlands and Islands or in Edinburgh and this is why I am standing for the regional list.”

“I want people across the region to take a fresh look at Scottish Labour and we need progressive ideas and a new generation to lead Scottish Labour in the next Parliament.

“The theme of our conference in Perth only weeks ago was ‘Change’ and this is the message I want to put forward both to party members and also voters across the Highlands and Islands.

“We need to shake up the Labour Party in the Highlands and Islands and inject fresh ideas and bring a renewed enthusiasm to the party in the region.

“It’s time for a fresh start for Scottish Labour, and a fresh start for the Highlands and Islands.”