LOCAL Labour Party members have selected Fife Councillor, Kenny Selbie, as their candidate to stand for the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath Westminster Parliamentary seat in May’s General Election.

At a packed meeting in Lochgelly Town Hall, local members selected father of two Kenny Selbie, who currently works as an equalities officer with West Lothian Council and is an active member of the Trade Union UNITE.

The process was initiated in December last year, following Gordon Brown’s decision to stand down from Parliament in May after 32 years as the MP.

Commenting on his selection, Kenny Selbie said, “It is an absolute honour and privilege to have been selected by local members to stand as our next candidate for Parliament.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I’ve received throughout the selection campaign and at our selection meeting in particular.” As well as being chosen by the local Party members, Kenny Selbie also secured the support and backing of the Fife Co-operative Party Branch and a number of Trade Unions.

“As someone who is committed to maintaining and strengthening the Labour-Union link and promoting co-operative values, the support of the trade unions and the Co-op Party means a lot to me and I look forward to working with colleagues across both movements in the forthcoming election campaign,” he added.

Kenny Selbie was elected to Fife Council in May 2012 for the Kirkcaldy Central ward, and is currently the portfolio holder for community safety across Fife.

With a Masters qualification and a degree in Politics, Kenny’s professional background is in discrimination law and policy in both the civil service and local government.

He added, “I’ve been a volunteer and activist for the Labour Party my whole adult life, committed to and passionate about Labour values and social justice. I decided to put myself forward for selection following humbling support across the Party, to ensure that a local, energetic candidate rooted in the Labour movement, who can reach out to a new generation of voters, was available as a credible option to members. I now look forward to the forthcoming election campaign and offering a positive vision to the public about the future of our constituency.” Speaking to the Times Mr Selbie concluded, “I will be knocking on doors in Benarty, Kelty, Lumphinans, Lochgelly and Cowdenbeath over the next few months asking people for their vote to put in a Labour Government that will tackle the big issues that impact on our communities. It was Labour that created the NHS and it is Labour that is now needed to address the growing concerns around funding and capacity.

“I do not accept that any child should fail in life and be doomed to a life on low pay and benefits and that is why education, training, skills and jobs is on top of my list.

“As a parent bringing up a family locally, I know how difficult that can be and we, like most families have experienced just how difficult it is made by rising energy costs and the hikes in the cost of living and that is why the cost of living will be a major priority for a Labour Government elected in May”.