23 Apr 2017
John Lamont has been formally approved as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk.
At a meeting of local party members this evening, John was backed unanimously as candidate for the general election on June 8, with no other person putting their name forward.
John is currently the MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire and was the Conservative candidate in the 2015 General Election when he narrowly lost to the SNP candidate by 328 votes. The seat is the most marginal in Scotland and one of the most marginal constituencies in the whole of the UK.
John will make an announcement on what his selection means for his position as Member of the Scottish Parliament for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire early next week.
Speaking after the meeting, John Lamont said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been selected as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate in the General Election on June 8th.
“Much has changed in the Borders in the past few years. With the Liberal Democrats all but disappeared, we live in the most marginal constituency in the whole of Scotland.
“In June, it will be a choice between myself, who will stand up for Scotland in a strong United Kingdom or a nationalist whose number one priority is pushing for a second independence referendum.
“I have had great privilege of representing this glorious part of Scotland for the last 10 years in the Scottish Parliament. I want to continue this but in the United Kingdom Parliament. My local advice surgeries will continue each week, my support of local businesses and events will continue throughout the year, and my dedication to getting a better deal for every community that I represent will continue as it has done for the last decade.
“I have put my name forward for this election because I believe I am the best candidate to stand up against the SNP and their plan to break up Britain.
“A second independence referendum may be the First Minister’s priority, but it isn’t mine. I believe the Borders needs a politician who will focus on growing the economy, bringing investment and jobs to the Borders and a strong Scotland as part of a strong United Kingdom.”
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