Thomson aims to fill the gap left by Mairi Gougeon in Holyrood elections
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Former Gordon SNP MP Richard Thomson is making a significant move to reclaim his political standing by seeking nomination as the party’s candidate for Angus North and Mearns in the upcoming elections. This announcement comes after his narrow defeat in the last Westminster election, where he lost to Tory MP Harriet Cross by a mere 878 votes in the newly-redrawn constituency of Gordon and Buchan.
Political comeback on the horizon
Thomson’s ambition to return to politics is fueled by the impending departure of current MSP Mairi Gougeon, who has announced her intention to step down from Holyrood next year. With five potential candidates vying for the SNP nomination, Thomson is determined to position himself as a strong contender.
Among the other candidates is Christian Allard, co-leader of Aberdeen City Council, who is also looking to make a return to Holyrood.
A strong voice for the community
In an exclusive interview with the Press and Journal, Thomson expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from constituents and fellow party members since the last election. He stated, “I’ve been humbled and taken aback by the number of the folk – in and out of politics – who since the last election have encouraged me to consider standing for Holyrood.” His commitment to being a “strong voice that can deliver real results” resonates with many voters who are eager for effective representation.
Filling the gap left by Mairi Gougeon
Thomson acknowledged the significant role Mairi Gougeon has played as both a local MSP and a cabinet secretary, emphasizing the challenge of filling her shoes. “If selected and then later elected, I’d like to think that I have what it takes to make sure that this area continues to have hard-working, strong and effective voices at the heart of the decision-making process,” he remarked. His previous experience as the leader of Aberdeenshire Council and his tenure as an MP provide him with a solid foundation for this new role.
Competition and support within the SNP
The constituency, which stretches from Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire to Forfar in Angus, has seen a surge of interest among potential candidates. Alongside Thomson and Allard, other notable figures include Aberdeen City councillor Michael Hutchison, Aberdeenshire councillor Dawn Black, and Lynn Jardine from East Lothian. Despite the competitive landscape, Thomson’s close ties with SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who is also targeting a Holyrood seat, may bolster his chances in the nomination process.
As the selection process unfolds, SNP insiders indicate that the interest in this constituency remains high, reflecting its status as one of the party’s strongholds. With Thomson’s determination and the backing of local supporters, the upcoming elections promise to be a pivotal moment for both him and the Angus North and Mearns constituency.
