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Ex-Lib Dem MP to fight Argyll and Bute Holyrood seat

Alan Reid
Alan Reid

A former Liberal Democrat MP is hoping to make a political comeback representing Argyll and Bute at the Scottish Parliament.

Alan Reid, who represented the constituency in Westminster for 14 years, has been selected to fight the west coast seat by local party members.

Mr Reid was ousted as the MP for Argyll and Bute by SNP candidate Brendan O’Hara in the general election in June.

The SNP won more than 50% of the vote in the constituency at the last Holyrood election in 2011.

Speaking after his bid was announced, Mr Reid said: “I am very pleased that the local Liberal Democrats have selected me to contest next May’s Holyrood Election.

“Following on from the increase in our vote and clear second place at last May’s election, the Liberal Democrats are best placed to challenge the SNP and bring about the change that Argyll and Bute so badly needs.

“The SNP have been in power far too long.

“Our health service is being starved of funds and failing to meet its targets. Our police force is in crisis. College places have been slashed.

“The SNP cuts to the council budget will see the loss of many jobs and services. The roll out of superfast broadband is painfully slow.

“Argyll and Bute needs an experienced voice like myself to stand up in Holyrood and demand a better deal for this constituency. I will be campaigning on all these issues to bring about the change we so desperately need.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Willie Rennie said he thought Mr Reid would be a “great asset” to the Scottish Parliament.

He said: “Alan Reid was an outstanding MP for Argyll and Bute for fourteen years.

“The increase in his vote at the last election showed his popularity in the constituency. When I am in Argyll and Bute I always hear on the doorstep that he was a highly rated local MP.

“I am delighted that Alan has been selected to stand again and he will be a great asset to the Scottish Parliament and a champion for his constituents.”

Sitting MSP Michael Russell has already been re-selected as the SNP’s candidate to defend the constituency, while Lochaber solicitor Donald Cameron has been selected by the Conservatives.

The announcement comes after it emerged former Labour MP Thomas Docherty would also be fighting for election to the Scottish Parliament in Fife.