Aberdeen Council’s co-leader has been selected as a Conservative candidate for a city seat at the 2021 Holyrood election.
Local members formally adopted Douglas Lumsden following a hustings at a party meeting last night.
Mr Lumsden will fight the Aberdeen Central constituency currently held by the SNP’s Kevin Stewart.
The 47 year old has lived and worked in Aberdeen his whole life, having spent over 20 years working in the IT industry.
Mr Lumsden said: “I live in the constituency with my wife and children and I would be honoured to represent this area at Holyrood.
“The people of Aberdeen Central need an MSP who is not afraid to stand up for residents and fight for a fairer deal for the north-east.
“Unfortunately, our local MSP has failed to speak up for this area while the city council’s budget has been cut and NHS Grampian has been woefully underfunded.
“A new government at Holyrood led by Ruth Davidson as First Minster would focus on improving our schools, growing our economy and supporting local services.
“My pledge will be to focus on the day job as a constituency MSP – and to always put the people of Aberdeen Central first.”
Opposition SNP group leader Stephen Flynn said: “The irony of Douglas Lumsden promising to focus on the ‘day job’ while seeking to walk away from his role as co-leader of the council won’t be lost on the people of Aberdeen.
“The reality is that being a Leader of Aberdeen City Council is a hugely important role that requires 100% commitment – something Douglas Lumsden appears unconcerned about.”