Politics in Moray:- Jérémie Fernandes seeks SNP nomination for Westminster election
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Jérémie Fernandes is to seek nomination to become the SNP’s candidate for the new Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency at the next UK general election.
Born in France, Mr Fernandes moved to Scotland in 2011. He taught at Aberdeen University before gaining a Library and Information Studies Diploma from RGU, and working as a librarian in Moray.
He was elected onto Moray Council last year, becoming councillor for the Elgin City North ward with the largest number of first-preference votes.
He is the Moray SNP council group's business manager and its spokesperson on housing and community safety.
Mr Fernandes has been the secretary of Moray SNP since 2017, and was recently the election agent for John Stuart in the winning by-election in Buckie.
He said: "I am very grateful to the SNP members who have encouraged me to stand for selection to be the SNP candidate for Moray West, Nairn, and Strathspey.
"That a working-class New Scot can be in a position to seek nomination for a parliamentary election speaks volumes about how open and welcoming the north of Scotland is.
"This is my home, and I'm passionate about our communities. My number one priority is to make sure that our voice is heard loudly and clearly in Westminster.
"The next parliamentary term is the perfect opportunity to elect a new generation of representatives, with integrity and humility, fresh thinking, and a desire to challenge the Westminster establishment which feels very remote to people in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey.
"I have submitted my nomination form to the local party, and I hope SNP members will continue to give me their trust and support in the selection process."
The independent Boundary Commission for Scotland decided in June that Moray would now be divided into two constituencies for future UK elections.
Both Elgin and Forres are in Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey, which means they will share an MP with Dalwhinnie, over 70 miles away,
Meanwhile, Buckie and Keith are going to share a constituency with Fraserburgh and Peterhead in the new Aberdeenshire North and Moray East constituency.
