LibDems select Neil Alexander to run in target seat of Inverness and Nairn where he will be up against the SNP’s Emma Roddick and Labour’s Shaun Fraser
Scottish Liberal Democrats have confirmed that Neil Alexander has been selected as the party’s candidate for the target seat of Inverness and Nairn at next year’s Scottish Parliament elections.
Currently Mr Alexander is the Scottish Liberal Democrat spokesperson for culture and sport and has led a number of campaigns including securing priority housing for those fleeing domestic abuse and pressing for the dualling of the A96.
He plays for Moray Rugby Club and has previously represented Scotland at Australian Rules Football in multiple European Cups. He is also a passionate video gamer, and currently works as a game designer.
The LibDems feel they have the wind in their sails after major wins in the general election when the party won the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire which was won by Liberal Democrat Angus MacDonald.
Then the incumbent MSP Fergus Ewing announced he could not stand for the SNP in 2026 – though he said he may stand as an independent – making the seat competitive for other parties.
Already selected as candidates for the seat are the SNP’s Emma Roddick and Scottish Labour’s Shaun Fraser.
Mr Alexander said: “I’m an energetic community campaigner and I will make sure people are listened to and not forgotten by the out of touch SNP. I will give my all to give the people of Inverness & Nairn the representation they deserve.
“Under the SNP, our NHS has deteriorated, local schools are left in disrepair, and the cost of living has risen, making day-to-day life harder for everyone.
“It took NASA 11 years to put a man on the moon, but the SNP still haven’t come good on a near 20-year-old promise to dual the A9 and A96.
“It’s time for change. I want to build on the success of Angus MacDonald in the recent UK parliament election and demand better for our communities.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “Neil Alexander will be a great MSP. He’s got bags of energy and he cares deeply about those around him.
“When I have been knocking on doors with Angus MacDonald and campaigners like Neil, the same issues keep coming up time and time again. People are struggling to get swift access to local healthcare, their roads are in a state and they feel they are not being listened to by SNP ministers in Edinburgh.
“After our impressive win here in the general election last summer, it is time to bring the same can-do Scottish Liberal Democrat attitude to the Scottish Parliament.
“Inverness & Nairn is a top target for my party at next year’s Scottish Parliament election. Voters will have a choice, a hardworking local champion in Neil Alexander or an SNP candidate who will just do what John Swinney tells them.”
