LABOUR has named the former Deputy Leader of Fife Council, Lesley Laird, as their candidate for the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency.

Mrs Laird worked in senior roles in the private sector and was widely accredited with delivering a skills programme across Fife successfully placing around 3500 people into apprenticeships and training over the last 5 years.

Lesley Laird, said: “People in Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath need a local champion, not a politician obsessed with holding another Referendum.

"I’ve already represented part of the constituency for 5 years and in my role as Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Economy have a strong track record of delivery and standing up for local people. It would be the greatest honour to represent the people of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath in Parliament."

She added: “In the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency the polling shows that this election is a straight choice between Labour and the SNP, and only a vote for Labour will get an MP that will fight for the towns and villages that make up this constituency.

"I’ll be fighting this election on three main issues, defending our local NHS services, education and skills, and the need to gain investment and jobs for this area.

“Under the SNP, education standards are declining and there is widespread teacher shortages. Our College sector has been cut by 140,000 places, disadvantaging people who need flexibility in learning and skills at a time when our economy needs a skilled and educated workforce. Our NHS system is under pressure with health care staff underpaid and under huge pressure due to staff shortages.

“In the face of all these local issues, the SNP MP has been silent. If elected on June 8 I will work day and night focused on the issues that that matter to individuals and families, and I will always speak up for local people."