Published: Monday, 1st February, 2010 10:59am

Jamieson Selected as Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Candidate

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Cathy Jamieson was last night selected as Labour's candidate to fight the Kilmarnock and Loudoun seat at the next general election, following Des Browne standing down.

Ms Jamieson, a former social worker, was elected as an MSP in 1999. She subsequently served as Scotland's education minister, justice minister and Labour's deputy leader in the Scottish Parliament. She lives in Mauchline.

Speaking from Kilmarnock, where she will today launch her campaign with local volunteers, Cathy Jamieson said: "I am honoured to be selected and stand for Labour.

"The next election will return either a Labour government or a Tory one - a vote for the SNP will just let the Tories in by the back door. Like millions of Scots I remember the Tory years, the lost jobs, the communities written off.

"I have never believed that unemployment is a price worth paying.

"I will be working hard for every vote and want to meet as many local residents as possible in the coming weeks.

"I want to pay tribute to Des Browne. His fierce commitment to our area is undisputed and he has been a real champion for Ayrshire.

"His leadership in fighting the Johnnie Walker job losses gave life to a hard fight.

"The decision to close the plant means Kilmarnock and Loudoun have a real fight on to secure our future and create new jobs.

"I promise that if I am elected I will fight day and night to get people back to work.

"If elected I will serve out the remaining months for which I would be an MSP but will draw only one salary."

Des Browne MP said: "Cathy will be an outstanding MP, a real fighter.

"This constituency is being failed miserably by the SNP council and the prospect of a Tory government is terrifying for communities here.

"I will work as hard as I can to elect Cathy and help in any way I can."