 | 'It's always difficult to contest a by-election after the passing of someone like Margaret, but the people of Moray deserve the chance to uphold the tradition of strong local advocacy which Margaret has given them for over two decades.' Highlands MSP Mary Scanlon, 29 th March 2006. |  |
The Scottish Parliament by-election caused by the death of Moray MSP Margaret Ewing will be held on April 27.
Presiding officer George Reid set the date yesterday after consulting with political parties and the local returning officer in Moray.
The by-election was called following Mrs Ewing's death at her home in Lossiemouth last week at the age of 60. Her health had not been good since she was treated for breast cancer four years ago and pneumonia two years later.
The Tories confirmed last night that their candidate will be Highlands MSP Mary Scanlon. "This is a by-election that nobody wanted, including me. Margaret Ewing was an outstanding campaigner for Moray and she'll be sorely missed by all of us," Ms Scanlon said. "It's always difficult to contest a by-election after the passing of someone like Margaret, but the people of Moray deserve the chance to uphold the tradition of strong local advocacy which Margaret has given them for over two decades."
The SNP will be defending a majority of more than 5,300. The party's candidate is expected to be north-east MSP Richard Lochhead, who is already the party choice to contest the seat in next year's Holyrood elections. Mr Lochhead is expected to be chosen when the constituency party meets on Sunday.
Both Ms Scanlon and Mr Lochhead will have to resign from the Scottish Parliament as under the Scotland Act sitting MSPs are barred from standing in by-elections.
This will leave one of them without a job as their seats will be automatically filled by the next candidate on the list.
Aberdeen North MSP Brian Adam has been unanimously reselected by his constituency party to contest the seat in next year's Holyrood elections.
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