MEP Alyn Smith and ex-MP Steven Paterson go head to head for SNP Stirling nomination

A contest between two SNP members is heating up in Stirling ahead of a possible general election being called, with Edinburgh-based SNP MEP Alyn Smith and former SNP MP for Stirling Steven Paterson both putting themselves forward for the seat.

Paterson served as MP for Stirling from 2015 until he was narrowly defeated at the 2017 general election to current Stirling MP Conservative Stephen Kerr. Kerr only holds a 0.3 per cent majority, of 148 votes.

On 3 September, Paterson announced he intended to seek the backing of SNP members to be the party’s candidate for the seat of Stirling if a general election is called.

“Ever since Tory Stephen Kerr sneaked a win with a tiny 148 majority in 2017, I have been campaigning to win back the Stirling seat, and I am delighted to confirm that I will be seeking the endorsement of local SNP members to be their candidate in the contest to come,” he said.

“I belong to this constituency – I was born, grew up and went to school here – and it was my honour to represent its fine people in parliament for two years.”

However, today Smith announced he would also seek nomination for the Stirling seat.

Smith, an Edinburgh resident, has represented the SNP as a member of European Parliament since 2004. In his application letter to the SNP, he noted he was “not a local to Stirling”, but said “I know the place well and I would of course alter my domestic arrangements if selected as candidate”.

He said he had a constituency office in Stirling and had worked “closely over the years with people like MSP Bruce Crawford and Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer”.

“I have strong connections to the Stirling area,” Smith said.

“I love the place and would be honoured to have the opportunity to represent the interests of folk here in the UK Parliament. I've been blown away by the support and encouragement I've had from local folk and nationwide figures within the party and public life.”