DOUGLAS Chapman has been selected by SNP members in Dunfermline and West Fife to fight the Westminster seat in May’s General Election.

In a tough internal contest, involving three very able candidates, Douglas won through convincingly and he will lead the SNP for the Westminster campaign in the constituency which includes Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side.

Following his selection, Douglas, a councillor for many years, said, “My Plan A is to win for the people of Dunfermline and West Fife...that’s also my Plan B.

“Since the Referendum there is a new democratic air sweeping through Scotland and what’s clear is that we have to elect a new MP to make sure Westminster gets the message from strong voices speaking up for Scotland.

“That message must include a very different approach to the austerity agenda being promoted by Labour, Lib Dems and Tories. What Westminster is doing is not growing the economy and it’s hammering those who are least able to protect themselves.” He added, “Currently the Westminster Parliament is completely out of touch about how ordinary families have to cope with life.

“Many of those in Government are ex-public school boys and it’s said that 71% of those in that Westminster Parliament are millionaires. How can they represent the aspirations and hopes of the people of this constituency? The simple answer is they can’t and they won’t.

“I believe people in this constituency need an MP to make a strong case for all constituents who need help, and someone who is focused on maximising growth in our local economy to create jobs and give families an improved standard of living.

“While we have more than 20% of our children living in poverty and families accessing food banks, we have the obscenity that is Trident being replaced as part of the UK’s strategic defence review after the Election. There is no military, moral or economic case to spend £100bn of tax payers’ money on such an outdated weapons system, when there are so many other priorities for the nation.” SNP Constituency convener, David Bruce, added, “We are delighted that Douglas will lead our campaign.

“He is a hard working, genuine, well respected local councillor and has wide experience, not just in politics, but across a range of issues which affect this constituency. He’ll win the trust of the people of the people of Dunfermline and West Fife and we look forward to him being elected as our next MP.”