Iain McKenzie for Inverclyde

Iain McKenzie was today selected by Labour Party members to stand for the Inverclyde by-election. He was selected at a packed hustings meeting at the Cruden Hall in Greenock. Iain said:

"I am deeply honoured to be selected today because the next MP for Inverclyde has a massive task ahead.

"This election is about our future and I am determined to stand up for people across our area.

"My first priority will be to bang heads together to create an urgent plan for jobs, getting Inverclyde working and bringing new employers here.

"I will be a campaigning candidate, out on the doors talking to people about their real concerns – the economy, the unfair cuts hurting people here, housing, anti-social behaviour, and what really matters to people who live in my community.

"This is an election no-one wanted, because David Cairns was a well-respected MP who served people well. The next MP has big shoes to fill and I do think we need someone local to do the job.

"I was born here, have lived here all my life and raised my family here. I know the challenges we face but also that this is a brilliant place to raise a family. People here have great pride in our area and I want to put the pride back into Inverclyde.”
 
Labour MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil, said:
 
"Iain’s selection as the candidate for Inverclyde is great news for our area. Selection processes are always demanding and Iain has come through with flying colours and shown passion and a real understanding of what our part of Scotland needs.
 
"I look forward working alongside him. He will make a make a fitting successor to David Cairns. The quality of the all the candidates who took part in the selection was extremely high so it is to Iain’s credit that he was selected. I know if given the chance he will fight hard to stand up for Inverclyde in Westminster."
 
Iain was selected by local party members from a shortlist of 5 candidates at a hustings held in Cruden Hall, Greenock today.
 
Any Labour Party member was entitled to apply to stand, and today's shortlist was drawn up from a large number of applicants. No date has yet been decided for the by-election.
 
4 June 2011