Former Chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the Better Together campaign, Alistair Darling, visited East Lothian this week to give his backing to Martin Whitfield, Labour’s general election candidate.

Speaking to a large audience of supporters from across East Lothian at Prestonpans Labour Club, Mr Darling said that in East Lothian only Martin and Labour are in a position to defeat the SNP’s fixation with a divisive second independence referendum and the Tories’ damaging hard Brexit plans.

Martin Whitfield also spoke about his own values and commitment to tackling poverty and widening opportunities, as well as the failure of both the UK Tory Government and SNP Scottish Government to address growing inequality in East Lothian and across Scotland.

Iain Gray MSP closed the event with a rallying call to supporters underlining how Labour has always defended East Lothian against Tory and SNP attacks, and how he will work with Martin and our local councillors to be stronger for East Lothian.

Speaking after the visit, Labour’s candidate Martin Whitfield said:

“It was a pleasure having Alistair with us in Prestonpans. He has spent a lifetime fighting for social justice and spoke eloquently of the need to fight to protect this County from a Tory hard Brexit and from another SNP divisive referendum on independence.

“Alistair’s clear message was that only a vote for Labour can guarantee a strong, local voice for East Lothian. I am focussed on being that local voice and being a champion for our area’s interests rather than a cheerleader for independence or a hard Brexit.”

Iain Gray MSP said:

“The SNP have always left East Lothian at the back of the queue when it comes to services and funding. We have been winning in East Lothian because local people know we work hard and stand up for the county’s interests.

“We need local champions to be stronger for East Lothian at every level. I want to see Martin elected as our MP here so that I can work with him on the issues that really matter to local people like jobs and public services.”