Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD LODGES NOMINATION PAPERS FOR SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS

MSP HOPEFUL ISSUES PLEA TO 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS TO REGISTER FOR HISTORIC VOTE

Richard Lochhead is now officially the SNP candidate for Moray in the upcoming Scottish Parliament election.  Mr Lochhead, who has been the MSP for Moray since 2006, submitted his nomination papers to the Returning Officer at Moray Council this week.

The witness to his nomination was 16 year old Caitlin Croft from Keith who is able to vote for the first time.  This is the first Scottish Parliamentary election that 16 and 17 year olds are entitled to vote in. Mr Lochhead has urged those who are 16 and 17 to make sure that they are registered to vote.

Commenting Richard Lochhead said:

“I feel very privileged to have been MSP for Moray for the past ten years.  This is a such a great place to live and work and I am once again asking the people of Moray to place their trust in me to represent them in the next Scottish Parliament.

"The SNP has a very strong record of delivering for the people of Moray. Since the election of an SNP Government in 2007 we have seen unprecedented investment in public services and local infrastructure and there's much more in the pipeline.

"We have seen new and refurbished schools, flood schemes, new health facilities, over 3000 new homes, the Fochabers/Mosstodloch bypass and so the list goes on.

"And now we are seeing the beginning of transformational improvements to the A96 and A9 and local rail services. It has also been encouraging to see the success of our local food and drink sector goes from strength to strength.

"We know there is more to do especially given tough family budgets and that's why the council tax freeze, free prescriptions and free bus travel for the elderly continue to be so important.

"Other parties can snipe from the sidelines or make wild promises but the SNP has a proven track record locally and nationally and the vision to carry on making Moray an even better place to live and work."

Commenting further Mr Lochhead said:

"I am delighted that 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote in this election thanks to the SNP Scottish Government.  This is something I have pushed for over many years and it is great to see young people being part of the political process.  I would urge all folk that are 16 and 17 to make sure they are registered by logging on to www.votemoray.org so that they can vote for the first ever time in a parliamentary election on 5th May and help choose the next Scottish Government."

16 year old Caitlin Croft, who is part of the KGS team that was awarded a commended certificate at the recent Moray Young Citizen of the Year Awards, said:

"It is really exciting that 16 and 17 year olds get to vote in this election.  We can pay tax, join the armed forces and get married - it's only right that we should be able to vote and it's thanks to the SNP that we are getting this opportunity.  I hope that loads of folk take up the chance to vote.

"Richard has been a great champion for Moray and I am very excited that I will be able to vote for him to represent us for the next five years."

Voters can register by logging on to http://www.votemoray.org/ or by telephoning 01343 541203.