Highland Council leader Drew Hendry named as SNP challenger to MP Danny Alexander
DREW Hendry, the leader of Highland Council, has been selected by the SNP to fight MP Danny Alexander for his Westminster seat at May’s general election.
The SNP councillor, who has represented the Aird and Loch Ness ward since 2007, has been chosen over Inverness South councillor Ken Gowans, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey ward leader Councillor Liz McDonald and Dulnain Bridge resident Ron MacWilliam, a former parliamentary researcher,
The father-of-four, who has been leading the SNP Group on Highland Council since 2011 and the council itself since 2012, has made it through the hustings selection process to represent the party for the Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey seat.
He said: "I am delighted to have been selected by my fellow party members as their candidate for the Westminster seat of Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey. I am grateful for their backing and would like to thank them for their show of support. I will not let them down.
"I would also like to thank my fellow selection candidates who fought keen campaigns which showcased their many talents. I am proud to have been selected from such distinguished company. Thanks also go to the constituency committee and our colleagues at SNP HQ for their hard work in conducting such a smooth selection process and vote.
"Now it is vitally important that we turn immediately to the challenge of winning this seat. For too long it has been neglected by the incumbent MP and that must stop come May. We will be working extremely hard to convince voters from all walks of life across the constituency that I and the SNP can best serve their needs at Westminster. I relish the challenge and I intend to deliver."
Reacting to Mr Hendry's selection, a spokesperson for Danny Alexander said: "The SNP have selected a candidate who has said advancing independence is his number one priority.
"Highlanders want an MP who will focus on the issues that matter most to people in the north, and that is exactly what Danny has done for the last ten years."
Inverness and Nairn MSP Fergus Ewing, meanwhile, has welcomed Mr Hendry's naming as the SNP candidate.
The SNP MSP said: "Drew Hendry is an excellent candidate and I am delighted that he will now be the choice for the elections in May. It is crystal clear now that only the election of a strong SNP team at Westminster can deliver for Scotland. I would also like to pay tribute to the other three nominees; each of whom had strong credentials and will now work hard to secure Drew’s election.
"I have no doubt that the contest in Inverness is between Drew Hendry - as the SNP candidate - and Danny Alexander. The Labour party has lost its way in Scotland, and their support has plummeted.
"There has never been a greater need for a strong voice for Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland at Westminster nor a greater opportunity for the SNP to win the constituency; with the support for the Lib Dems having shrunk - according to all the opinion polls - to a level associated with fringe parties."
