SNP veteran Leadbitter chosen as party's MP candidate for Moray West
Graham Leadbitter will be the SNP candidate to fight the next UK election for the new Moray West, Nairn & Strathspey constituency.
The party's local membership picked Mr Leadbitter who has represented the Elgin South ward on Moray Council for the past 16 years.
He said: "I got into politics to make a difference for my community and I believe I've done that well throughout my time as a councillor.
"I want to use that solid grounding and experience representing my community to take that representation to Westminster.
Boundary changes have resulted in the new constituency being formed.
It runs from Dalwhinnie through Badenoch & Strathspey in the south to Lossiemouth in the north, and from Castle Stuart to the Spey bridge along the coast.
In addition to Elgin, Forres, Rothes, Lossiemouth and Aberlour within Moray, the other largest settlements it contains are Kingussie, Aviemore, Grantown and Nairn.
With a background in the retail and service sector before getting involved in politics, Mr Leadbitter has also worked as a Constituency Office Manager for an MP.
Further commenting on his selection, he said: "My values are compassion and respect for others – for families in our region, for our local businesses and for those in need of our help. Independence will enable Scotland to better live those values every day.
"I am looking forward to taking that message to door the length and breadth of this constituency."
