Another East Lothian Labour council candidate selection has been completed, with Council Leader Councillor Norman Hampshire confirmed as the party’s candidate for the Dunbar and East Linton ward in May.

Dunbar born and bred, Cllr Hampshire has been a councillor for the three-member ward since its creation in 2007, after first being elected to the former East Lothian District Council in 1988. He lives with his wife in Dunbar.

Cllr Hampshire became Depute Leader of the Council in May 2017 and succeeded the late Cllr Willie Innes as Leader in November last year. He is also the Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for the Environment and Chair of the Council’s Planning Committee.

Commenting on his re-selection, Norman Hampshire said:

“I am proud to have had the honour of representing Dunbar, the town where I was born and have always lived, for over 30 years. I have always sought to stand up for its interests and those of the whole ward and serve my constituents to the very best of my ability.

“I have a very positive record on which to seek re-election at the election in May. I have played a leading role in an administration which has shown strong leadership during one of the most difficult periods we have faced in living memory.

“Despite significant cuts in the funding East Lothian receives from the SNP Scottish Government, we have also invested heavily in local schools and other services, supported communities and sought to boost the economy and jobs.

“These key issues – protecting services, supporting communities and boosting the economy – will continue to be at the heart of the manifesto which we present to voters in May.

“I hope people in this ward and across East Lothian will put their faith in me and my Labour colleagues to continue our work helping make East Lothian the best place to live, work, visit and play.”