Key figures from East Lothian Labour Party welcomed Sarah Boyack MSP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Local Government & Planning, to the county today, to discuss their approach to improving local people’s lives and the achievements of the Labour-led East Lothian Council.

Iain Gray MSP, Fiona O’Donnell MP, Cllr Willie Innes and other local Labour councillors met with Ms Boyack, who represents the Lothians region, including Musselburgh, in the Scottish Parliament.  They discussed the important progress Labour is making both in Holyrood and at a local level as it implements its manifesto from last year’s local election.
 
Speaking after the meeting, Iain Gray MSP said:
 
“I was pleased to welcome Sarah to East Lothian to hear about some of the key issues she is working on and discuss how best to promote Labour’s case in local government.  Our extensive network of hard-working local representatives has always been one of Labour’s greatest strengths, and the discussion with Sarah underlined that this remains the case. 
 
“The timing of the visit, one year after local people returned Labour to power in East Lothian, also gave us the opportunity to reflect on the council’s successes over the last 12 months.  Willie and his team are doing a great job under difficult circumstances and we are certainly seeing the benefits of having a Labour-led administration in the county.”
 
Cllr Willie Innes said:
 
“We welcomed Sarah taking the time to visit East Lothian and give us an update on some of the good things that are happening around the country. Colleagues on councils across Scotland are working incredibly hard to make a difference for the communities they represent and shield them from the worst impact of cuts imposed by Westminster and Holyrood.
 
“Here in East Lothian we are focused on delivering our manifesto and I’m delighted with the progress we have made in just one year.  While the initial priority has been turning around the appalling financial mess left by the SNP, we are now beginning to see positive developments on key areas such as economic development and jobs.  Delivering what we promised last May will remain our central goal over the next four years.”