Labour chooses NHS worker James Hynam from Forres as its Moray West candidate for 2024 general election
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Labour has announced that James Hynam will be its general election candidate for the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency.
A frontline NHS worker from Forres, he is the chair of the parent council at Kinloss Primary School.
Mr Hynam received backing from local members before being unanimously approved by a panel of the Labour Party’s Scottish Executive Committee.
Commenting on his selection, he said: “It is an enormous honour. I am especially grateful to the local party who have been so supportive.
“I grew up under the last Labour government. I know how much better things are when Labour is in power. The enormous achievements of the last Labour government have been systematically eroded, however, by 14 years of cuts and incompetence.
“I have put myself forward because I believe the people of Moray, Nairn, and Strathspey deserve better than the two governments – Tory and SNP – that have let us down so badly.
“Scotland needs a clean break and a fresh start, and I believe that is what I represent.”
The newly created Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency includes Elgin, Forres, Dufftown, Fochabers and Tomintoul as well as Aviemore, Grantown, Nairn and Newtonmore.
Mr Hynam previously stood for Moray Council in 2022.
His selection for the upcoming general election, which will take place at some point this year, was welcomed by Sandy Keith, who chairs the local Labour Party.
Cllr Keith (Elgin North, Labour) said: “It’s great to have a young, enthusiastic, local candidate for the new seat of Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey. Given the sheer size of the new seat I think some youthful energy will be needed!
“I know from my own experience as a councillor that James is well-regarded by his community in Forres and Kinloss. Politics has become quite indecent in recent years, so I think the voters will welcome a candidate with James’ sense of service and decency.”
James Hynam will run against two sitting Moray councillors Graham Leadbitter (Elgin City South, SNP) as well as Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Scottish Conservatives) who is also the leader of the local authority.
Other candidates announced are Neil Alexander from the Lib Dems and Euan Morrice from the Scottish Family Party.
