The SNP candidate is Liz Bardell who says:
'What an honour and privilege to be your Westminster candidate in a year in which SNP has shown the world what political change can really mean - locally, nationally and internationally! SNP is leading the way in a different kind of politics and a different kind of democracy that is creative, inclusive and exciting. Our minority led Scottish Government has not only proved itself competent in new and challenging circumstances but able to deliver a wide range of new initiatives in an incredibly short space of time (just a few of them are listed further below).
In the face of the direst predictions from opposing parties and media it has shown, for the first time, the power of the elected Scottish Voice even on "reserved matters" like nuclear weapons, nuclear power, renewable energy and broadcasting.
And it continues to support our troops by questioning the UK foreign policy that keeps them in Iraq and Afghanistan. For me - a latecomer to formal politics - it was the certain knowledge that we would not have been in Iraq if we had been independent that made me decide to put myself forward for election.
It now really feels like we can, in this new politics, stand up for Scotland and that there is a new confidence amongst the Scottish people.
Here, in the many distinct communities that make up the Livingston Constituency, we are at the forefront of this new politics with our SNP controlled Council and our MSP, Angela Constance who have fought long and hard to bring us this far. Theirs is a politics which listens to the common sense voice of real people who want decent employment, fair taxes and quality services in strong local communities protected by local police who know and are supported by those communities. Already they are making an impact - hard won - on the old "ruled from the top" way of doing things. Their commitment is clear to a national approach that keeps services local.
How much more will we achieve with a larger and stronger voice in Westminster! A majority of people in Scotland want more power for Scotland's Government and they want it right now. They want power over the purse strings and the resources that shape everything else we do. They want a strong and peaceful voice on the international stage. I believe that they want many or most of the things that add up to Independence.
From a local mining family, I have spent a lifetime committed to public service and community action in and beyond West Lothian. For me, this is truly the chance of a lifetime to bring about change, at a different level, for the country my children will inherit.
I have also spent much of my professional life working with and for young people and am concerned about the "bad press" they often get. I know that many are concerned about important political issues but often do not vote. I hope we can involve them in the discussions and decisions on the future of their country.
I look forward to a continuing conversation with you - whatever your age - through the website. As we develop the site I'll be highlighting important issues at Westminster as they affect Scotland and the Livingston Constituency. I'll be taking time to say a bit about things that I think are really important. Right now the abolition of the 10p tax rate, the closure of post offices and the apparent intention to close the Glasgow Passport Office are but a few of those making news! Lurking in the background, also, are ID Cards.....
I'll also be glad to hear from you about issues that matter to you and I can be contacted at lis.bardell@snp.org
A few of the achievements of the first year of the SNP Scottish Government:
- Met our commitment to increase visible police presence on our streets
- Negotiated a historic concordat between central and local government, freezing the Council Tax
- Cut business rates for small firms
- Keeping health services are kept local, reversing the previous administration's decision to close local A&E services in Ayr and Monklands
- Committed to abolishing prescription charges
- Abolished the Graduate Endowment re-establishing free education in Scotland
- Launched the Scottish Broadcasting Commission
- Abolished tolls on all bridges
- Established world's largest ever single prize for marine renewable energy
- Stopped privatization of new prisons and hospitals'
Recent electoral experience
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