Published: Monday, 21st December, 2009 11:02am

Cathy Jamieson to seek Westminster seat

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Cathy Jamieson MSP announced today that she is to seek the Labour nomination for the Kilmarnock and Loudoun Westminster seat at the General Election.

Born and brought up in Kilmarnock , Cathy lives in the constituency, and already represents part of the area in Holyrood.

Announcing her decision to stand, she said: "Kilmarnock and Loudoun needs a strong Labour voice in Westminster, standing up for local people and fighting their corner. I want to be that voice, making the case for jobs and a fair share of investment to help our local economy.

"I live in the constituency, and I hear what matters to people when I am out and about locally.

"My record in the Scottish Parliament shows that I would work tirelessly on local issues and helping constituents with problems, as well as playing a major role in Parliament.

"The General Election is all about who will be running the country - Labour or Tory. I want a Labour Government to steer the country through the recession, taking decisions based on what's fair for the majority of us. We only need to look back at the Tory years to see how our local area suffered. And the SNP's obsession with independence is completely misplaced. People want politicians to spend their time on securing jobs and the economy, and tackling global issues like climate change.

"Following Des Browne's announcement that he would not be seeking re-election, a number of local people asked me to stand.

"There will be a full selection process, and local Party members will make their choice. I believe I have the energy, enthusiasm and experience to win the seat for Labour and be an effective representative for every part of Kilmarnock and Loudoun. That's why I am putting myself forward for the selection contest."