Labour chooses Jo Kirby for Moray in 2021 elections
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Local teacher and anti-poverty campaigner Jo Kirby has been selected as the Labour candidate for Moray in the forthcoming Scottish Parliament elections.
Ms Kirby was selected unanimously in a secret ballot of local members at the annual general meeting on Sunday of the Moray Constituency Labour Party (CLP) .
Addressing the online meeting, she outlined her priorities for the forthcoming election, with a particular focus on education, poverty and inequality, and economic development.
Following the ballot she expressed her delight at the vote of confidence from local members.
Ms Kirby said: "I’m thrilled to have received such a ringing endorsement from local members in my home area.
"Having worked as a teacher in Moray for almost 20 years I am acutely aware of the challenges local families face.
"I’m going to fight this election with a positive vision of what needs to be done.
"That means improving opportunities for Moray families by investing in education for all ages, attracting new and better jobs to the area so that people aren’t forced to leave for work.
"It also means ending austerity and investing in the local services that are used by all Moray residents and, in particular, older and more vulnerable members of our community."
Ms Kirby also issued a warning for the SNP and Conservatives.
She added: "In the past couple of elections we’ve seen a pathetic ding-dong between the SNP and Tories on constitutional issues because they’re too scared of their abysmal records both nationally and locally.
"Moray voters know that it’s time for a change, but swapping SNP cuts for Tory austerity won’t make a jot of difference.
"If Moray voters want a real alternative they only have one choice and that’s to vote Labour."
Local Moray councillor John Divers (Elgin South) hailed her selection.
He said: "As a local teacher, a working mum, and seasoned anti-poverty campaigner Jo is exactly the sort of representative we need for Moray.
"I’ve seen first-hand the great work that Jo has done over the years with Moray’s young people, and I know she’ll make a brilliant MSP."
At the same meeting Moray Labour also selected a new executive committee for the coming year.
Former Bishopmill councillor Sandy Keith was elected as the CLP’s new chair.
He said: "I taking over as chair of a local party in rude health.
"We’ve just had a well-attended general meeting, with lots of new members getting involved.
"And we’ve got a dynamic local parliamentary candidate to represent us at the forthcoming election."
