Moray Liberal Democrat leader Neil Alexander seeks party's selection for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat
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THE leader of the Liberal Democrats in Moray is bidding to win his party's ticket to stand for Westminster in the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat.
Neil Alexander (29) is an Elgin-based game designer.
He has campaigned locally on issues, such as returning maternity services to Dr Gray's Hospital and calling for the introduction of sewage monitoring on the River Spey.
He is also an advocate for better mental health support in Scotland.
He sees sport as a great way to bring people together to talk about issues they may be facing. Neil plays for Moray Rugby Club.
In the summer he was appointed as national spokesperson for sport and culture for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
The new Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency has taken in some areas previously held by the Lib Dems, including Nairn and Aviemore, and which the party is looking to win back.
Mr Alexander said: “I am standing because I want to put the issues that matter to local people first.
“The Tories and the SNP are two-sides of the same divisive coin. But there is so much more that unites us than divides us, and we deserve an MP who can show that.
“Living in Elgin, I can see that the people living here, in the Moray Firth and in the Cairngorms have been taken for granted for far too long.
“Time and time again, Liberal Democrats are showing how we can be that voice of change. From healthcare to housing, our fantastic Highland councillors and campaign teams work tirelessly to represent the needs of local people. It’s what I do as a campaigner already, and it's why I want to be our next MP.”
Moray Council announced inspections of its council housing stock for faulty lightweight concrete. That followed a call by Mr Alexander and his party locally.
He also raised the issue of domestic abuse victims struggling to find a council house.
Mr Alexander added: “What I campaign on is what you get when you vote Lib Dem - a hard worker who puts their community first, always.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far just from campaigning on the issues that matter. From Ardersier to Aviemore, from Lossiemouth to Nairn - it’s time we got an MP who will put our community first, and not divide people based on one or two views."
The former leader of Moray Council, Graham Leadbitter (SNP) and the current leader, Kathleen Robertson (Conservative) have already been declared as candidates for the constituency.
