Edinburgh Central Holyrood seat is between pro-European SNP and Little Britain Brexit Tories – Angus Robertson

Many thanks for all the kind messages after being selected as the SNP candidate for Edinburgh Central.

Angus Robertson has been selected as the SNP candidate for Edinburgh Central (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

After a vigorous campaign with three talented fellow nominees, the result was released last Friday confirming that I will run for the constituency currently held at Holyrood by the departing Ruth Davidson.

In what will be one of the most closely watched contests in the country, only 610 votes stand between the SNP and the Tories who have yet to find a candidate willing to face the electorate.

According to the rumours, a number of senior Conservatives have been approached to stand, but all have declined. Given their Brexit fixation and the SNP polling more than 50 per cent they will be under major pressure, meanwhile Labour, Greens and Lib Dem voters will understand as never before it will be a two-horse race.

One major change in next year’s elections will be the franchise, when for the first time international voters will be eligible to cast ballots as will EU citizens. With Edinburgh Central having one of the highest number of European and international citizens in the country, it will add a significant dimension, especially given the straight choice between the internationalist pro-European SNP and the Little Britain Brexit Tories.

As someone who grew up in Edinburgh Central, it is a huge honour to be able to run to represent the people and communities of my home constituency in the Scottish Parliament. Every vote will be worked for, nothing will be taken for granted.

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