Politics in Moray: Tories choose Kathleen Robertson as MP candidate
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The Scottish Conservatives have selected Kathleen Robertson as their candidate for the new Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency at the next UK general election.
Her aim will be to succeed Douglas Ross who is stepping down as an MP at the next election, although he will continue as an MSP.
Mrs Robertson spoke of her delight at being selected as the candidate for an area she has lived and also worked as a vet since 2001.
She said: "I have served Forres as a community councillor and councillor as well as leading Moray Council for the last year.
"I want to bring that knowledge and experience to the UK Parliament as this new constituency's MP and be a strong voice for the local area."
Mrs Robertson is the co-chair of the Forres and District Pipe Band and the Moray Youth Pipe Bands and Drums.
She spent nine years on Moray's Children's Panel and has served on multiple parent committees at local schools.
In addition, she worked as an inspector during the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001, as a contact tracer throughout the Covid pandemic and, most recently, as an official contingency veterinarian for the bird flu outbreak.
She added: "I'm delighted to have been selected as the candidate for this new constituency.
"I look forward to getting out and about in the area and speaking to voters about the issues concerning them.
"The general election will offer voters in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey the chance to elect a MP fully focused on the issues that matter to them."
Her campaign is being backed by Douglas Ross who says she would be an "excellent" voice for the local area.
He added: "I am delighted to be backing Kathleen's campaign to represent this new seat as our MP.
"I have worked closely with her since she was elected as a councillor last year to deliver for local people across Moray.
"I have no doubt that Kathleen would be an excellent voice for these communities if she was elected.
"Kathleen is the only candidate who can stop the SNP, who have made it clear that they will only talk about independence in this election.
"If local people want a MP focused on their real priorities, then they should vote for Kathleen."
The UK general election will be held by January 2025 at the latest.
The independent Boundary Commission for Scotland announced last month that, in order to balance out the number of voters, Moray will be divided up between two new constituencies.
Fochabers, Buckie and Keith are both amongst the communities that have been included in the second new constituency which will be called Aberdeenshire North and Moray East.
