Labour launch local election campaign in pub

Ally McGilvray • Published 14 Feb 2012 09:30 0 Comments

A FATHER and son have announced their intention to stand at the forthcoming council elections in the Borders.

Robert Tatler and his dad Robin, from Peebles, were among six local candidates unveiled by Scottish Labour Party Leader Johann Lamont MSP at a special launch party at the Salmon Inn in Galashiels on Monday night.

They will contest the Galashiels and District and Tweeddale East wards, respectively, at the Scottish Borders Council elections on May 3.

Robert, at 21-years-old, is one of the youngest candidates to be unveiled ahead of the local government elections.

However, the local musician, who teaches at Peebles-based community project Nomad Beat, denied that not living in the ward would be a problem - despite repeated complaints that none of the four councillors who currently represent Galashiels and District on Scottish Borders Council live in the town.

Robert, who admitted he still lives with his parents, said: "Although I don't live in Gala, I have lived in the Borders for years and I offer an alternative voice for young people in the area on issues such as affordable housing and achieving a proper living wage."

Meanwhile, Agnes Craig, from Galashiels, secretary of the Borders branch of UNISON, will represent Labour in Leaderdale and Melrose. She said she's fed up with the current council and it's time for change.

Ms Lamont added: "The main message is Labour candidates if councillors will work for their local communities, will prioritise their concerns and make sure they do a job on their behalf, but at the heart of it is an understanding that local government is a place where you can make a difference to people's lives."

The full list of Labour candidates contesting the Scottish Borders Council elections in May is as follows: Robin Tatler (Tweeddale East); Julia Reid (Tweeddale West); Robert Tatler (Galashiels and District); Agnes Craig (Leaderdale and Melrose); Kenryck Lloyd Jones (East Berwickshire); Michael Grieve (Hawick and Denholm).

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