Moray’s sitting MSP has announced he is putting his name forward to be re-elected as the SNP candidate for Moray in the Scottish elections next year.
Richard Lochhead has served as an MSP since the Scottish Parliament was established in 1999, first as a regional MSP for North East Scotland and then as Moray’s MSP since 2006.
Speaking about the nomination process and the forthcoming Scottish Parliament campaign Richard Lochhead said: “It’s been a huge privilege to serve in the Scottish Parliament since 1999 and to represent Moray since 2006.
“Working with the SNP Government, a great deal has been achieved for Moray.
NHS dentists
“One of the first campaigns I took on in 2006 was the desperate shortage of NHS dentists with tens of thousands of children and adults unable to access NHS dentistry. That became a priority of the first SNP Government in 2007 and the availability of NHS dentistry in Moray and across Scotland was transformed.
“The SNP has supported huge investment in flood alleviation schemes across Moray, which have already proven their worth on several occasions. We’ve also seen thousands of new affordable houses built, an improved rail network, the rollout of superfast broadband. We’ve built the Fochabers by-pass, new health facilities and schools to give just a few examples.
“I have campaigned on the scandalous rip-off parcel delivery surcharges that are faced by consumers in Moray and worked with the local community to secure funding for the new footbridge in Lossiemouth that’s now going to be built.
“As an MSP, I’ve always believed it’s really important to stick at it. To walk the walk, not just talk the talk. But there is so much still to do.
Pandemic
“My team and I have helped thousands of constituents through these past difficult months. We are still in the midst of the global pandemic and we need to work together to get through this. Even before Covid, many local families have faced tough times.
“Moray has a lot going for it. We have fertile land and marvellous landscape and stunning coastline. Our citizens are enterprising and hard working, and we are home to many famous family businesses and global brands, as well as thousands of small businesses that underpin our economy.
“Our challenge is to protect existing jobs, and attract new ones and to provide our young with opportunities on their own doorstep.
“The challenges of Covid, Climate Change, Brexit and an ageing population, means there really is a lot to do.
“I’ve always strived to be a fully committed, hard-working and empathetic MSP. That’s what Moray needs. In an age of populism that scapegoats low-income families and the vulnerable, or people from other countries, I’ll continue to speak up for social justice and equality.
Better society, better planet
“If re-selected as SNP candidate for Moray, I will focus on building a better society and a better planet for future generations to inherit.
“Westminster’s credibility is in freefall, and as opinion polls show, Scotland is charting a different path. I believe that in the next Parliament, we’ll have the chance to join the international family of nations, in our own right, with the ability to take more decisions for
ourselves that reflect our own priorities.
“The 2021 elections in Moray will no doubt be a tough election and I will take nothing for granted. If I am given the honour of again being selected as the SNP’s candidate, I will work flat out to make Moray and Scotland better, and I ask for your support, so we can do that together.”
