Local Labour Party members have chosen former cabinet minister Douglas Alexander to be the party’s candidate at the next UK general election.

A former Secretary of State for Scotland and UK Transport Secretary, Mr Alexander previously worked in Edinburgh as a solicitor but moved to the west of Scotland when he was first elected to parliament in 1997.

Speaking after his selection win, Mr Alexander said: 

“Of course, we are hoping to win the support of people in East Lothian. It really is one of our very top target seats in the whole of the country.

“But I have no illusions this is going to be an extremely hard fought, marginal seat and we have to work for and earn every single vote.

“I think part of the reason that I was successful in the selection is that local supporters felt that as a candidate I would be able to appeal to voters who have always voted Labour but also voters who have never voted Labour.

“I approach that task with humility but also determination.

“I am keen to reach out to voters in every part of the county and make the case that Labour can make a difference in their lives and in their communities.”