Scottish Lib Dems announce candidates for European Parliament election

Sheila Richie, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate, European Parliament election - Image credit: Scottish Liberal Democrats

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have announced their candidates for the forthcoming European Parliament election.

Sheila Richie, from Aberdeenshire, tops the list, which is ‘zipped’ with alternate female and male candidates to ensure gender balance.

A solicitor and former leader of Gordon District Council, Richie is currently convener of the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

She has spent over 20 years supporting small start-up businesses and entrepreneurs in the Aberdeen area through her work with the Enterprise Trust, Business Gateway and Elevator.

Richie was also the Scottish Government appointee on the European Economic and Social Committee from 2000 to 2003, which involved bi-monthly trips to Brussels for consultation.

Ritchie said: “I am thrilled to be leading the fight to secure Lib Dem seats in Brussels and a chance to stop the chaos of Brexit dead in its tracks. This election provides us with a tremendous opportunity.

“Brexit is bad for the NHS, for our universities and for our farming communities. People across the country have been wracked with worry over Brexit uncertainty and this is a way to make it stop.

“Liberal Democrats want close ties with our neighbours, not new barriers and broken partnerships.

“We passionately believe in a Britain that’s open, tolerant and international in outlook and we want the public to have the final say on Brexit.”

Following Richie on the list is Edinburgh-based human rights lawyer and advocate Fred Mackintosh, a former councillor on City of Edinburgh Council from 1999 to 2007.

The third candidate on the list is former deputy leader of Scottish Borders Council Catriona Bhatia.

Bhatia served on Scottish Borders Council from 2003 to 2017. She is the daughter of former Lib Dem leader Sir David Steel.

They are joined by Vita Zaporozcenko, a caseworker for MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton; John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, who was previously head of the UK office of the European Parliament in Edinburgh and chief campaign spokesman for Scotland Stronger In Europe; and Clive Sneddon, a former French lecturer, who was the leader of North East Fife District Council from 1988 to 1996.

Commenting on the selections, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “I am delighted to announce our list of candidates for the European elections.

“We have a strong group of people who are committed to protecting our place in Europe.

“This election gives voters an opportunity to demand an end to the constitutional chaos we’ve endured for years.

“People are fed up with Brexit and listening to all the arguments. It has divided our country and damaged our economy for long enough.

“A vote for Scottish Liberal Democrats is a vote to stop Brexit and will send a message to the SNP on their unwanted independence plans.

“Every MEP we gain in Scotland will help make the division and damage stop.”