A key Aberdeen councillor is to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament when the country goes to the polls next year.
Jackie Dunbar, currently the depute leader on the city council’s SNP group, is hoping to win the seat of Aberdeen Donside.
It is currently held by Mark McDonald, who announced earlier this year he would be stepping down from the post.
The former children’s minister was previously a member of the SNP, but resigned from the party following allegations of sexual harassment.
Ms Dunbar, who has represented the Northfield and Mastrick North ward since 2007, said: “All politics is local and I’m proud to represent the council ward that I live in.
“The chance to make Donside’s voice heard would be an incredible privilege and I will work tirelessly to do just that.
“2021 will be one of the most significant in Scotland’s history and I strongly believe we need a determined, local voice front and centre in our Donside campaign.
“The SNP has a strong record in Donside, which has been built on SNP councillors and MSPs putting in a hard graft for folk in the area, something which we cannot forget.”
She added: “The polls over the weekend show support for independence is established, but we cannot be complacent.
“Support for the SNP comes with a trust in our politicians through hard work in the constituency – something which I have a proven track record of.”
Ms Dunbar’s announcement has been backed by Aberdeen South and North Kincardine MSP Maureen Watt, who said: “As well as being a staunch advocate for the people of Northfield and Mastrick North, she has been an excellent ambassador for the city as a former depute provost.
“Her skills and experience make her unmatched in being very well-placed to now challenge to represent Donside in Holyrood in next year’s election.”
