Highland candidates have their say on Rishi Sunak calling a General Election for July 4

Highland Westminster candidates have been reacting to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak calling for a summer election in just six weeks time.

He made the announcement outside No.10 in the pouring rain earlier today essentially trying to establish himself as a safe pair of hands who is “guided by doing what is right for our country, not what is easy”.

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“I can't say the same thing for the Labour Party,” he continued. “Because I don't know what they offer. And in truth, I don't think you know either. And that's because they have no plan.”

The Prime Minister argued the UK economy is on the mend and people need to stick with the Conservatives to “build on the progress we have made or risk going back to square one with no plan and no certainty.”

But Keir Starmer’s party has a clear 20 point lead in the polls and it remains to be seen whether the Conservatives can overcome that within the next 43 days of campaigning.

A boundary shake-up means that readers of the Inverness Courier and The Strathy, depending on where they live, will either be voting for the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire candidates or those standing in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey.

All the candidates or their parties have been contacted and some are beginning to have their say but few, unsurprisingly have been complimentary of the UK government’s performance.

MP Drew Hendry – SNP

I think most would be surprised by the timing of the election, but it's good that we will soon see the end of this Tory Government. We have always urged them to bring this election forward, and we are ready to go out and earn the trust and votes of the people in this constituency.

As I seek re-election, my priority will be, as it has always been, to stand up for fairness for our communities and to support those struggling to make ends meet due to the cost-of-living crisis. I will continue to fight for adequate funding for our hospitals and public services, and work with others to build opportunities for our region and our young people. I believe, together, we can make a difference.

I have been out and about speaking to constituents during my door surgeries, and rising costs continue to worry many people. I am sure that the cost-of-living crisis will be very much at the forefront of their minds when they cast their vote on 4th July.

Angus MacDonald – Liberal Democrats

The people in the Highlands are desperate for a change. The SNP and Conservatives are both stale after well over a decade in power. Up here we feel neglected and unrepresented in Westminster and Holyrood.

I have been campaigning for 16 months and am as ready as anyone. There are only two candidates really contending, myself and the SNP’s Drew Hendry. My hunch is that it will be a close run thing.

I promise to work extremely consensually with whoever gets elected for the benefit of the Highlands. My main task is to get funding for Highland infrastructure for roads and hospitals, help make our economy thrive and work with the energy minister to ensure we maximise the opportunity for community benefits from renewables, to include ensuring lower electricity bills.

Peter Newman – Greens

The timing of this election shows the desperation from the dying embers of this administration and this failed prime minister.

The campaign is going to be fought on the need for greater fairness and on overcoming the cost of Westminster crisis everyone has suffered under these neoliberal extremists.

Keir Starmer and his Labour partners offer nothing but more of the same and now is the time for voters to choose candidates who know what matters - a world fit for each other and services and businesses working for the many, not the few.

As Scottish Greens, we will be pushing for companies to pay their fair way and to hit hard individuals and companies plundering our planet at the expense of the people.

Ruraidh Stewart – Conservative

I'm happy that the date has been set. I enjoy being out in the constituency, knocking on doors and actively engaging with people to discuss their priorities. The positive economic outlook following the recent spring budget and decreasing inflation rates are now starting to be felt in people's pockets. Calling the Election for July also avoids the challenges associated with winter elections, particularly in regions like the Highlands, where our weather and shorter daylight hours can significantly impact voter participation. A summer election should ensure a higher turnout, leading to a more representative outcome.

The central plank of my campaign will be sustainable economic growth. I will fight for better funding and resources for healthcare, physical and digital infrastructure, and more robust support and less bureaucracy for our crofters, farmers, and fishermen. I will focus on local concerns, addressing critical issues such as the housing crisis and sustainable tourism, which are vital for enhancing living standards and economic opportunities in our community.

This election is likely to be decided on several issues. However, I believe economic performance is the key issue. Controlling inflation, job creation, and tax policies and demonstrating a track record of economic stability and growth will be crucial.

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