Douglas Alexander, Labour’s local candidate for the next UK General Election, has declared the party is ready for the election and to deliver the change people want, following its AGM at Prestonpans Labour Club.

Coming just a fortnight after Scottish Labour’s outstanding victory in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, the AGM saw a new team elected to the party’s executive committee and a positive outlook for the election, whenever it is called.

Former county MSP Iain Gray will continue as CLP Chair and Pauline O’Brien as Secretary. Cllr Shamin Akhtar becomes one of two vice-chairs, joining council colleague Fiona Dugdale. The new campaign co-ordinator is former county MP, Fiona O’Donnell, while Cllr Brooke Ritchie will now lead on the party’s social media activity.

After the formal business, Mr Alexander provided an update on his campaign to be East Lothian’s next MP and local plans for winning the constituency back at the election.

Speaking after the AGM, Douglas Alexander said:

“Over recent months on doorsteps from Musselburgh to Dunbar I’ve heard a strikingly consistent message: People across East Lothian feel let down by two failing Governments and have a sense that it’s time for change.

“At the East Lothian Labour Party AGM we discussed our responsibility to keep listening, working and campaigning to earn local people’s support in the months between now and the General Election.

“Times are really tough right now and whether it’s by tackling NHS waiting lists or rising household bills Labour is determined to be the change the country needs.”

Iain Gray said:

“East Lothian Labour are a fantastic team, and I’m delighted to continue as Chair as we enter the crucial election year. We will be laser-focused on winning here to play our part in electing a Labour government.

“I look forward to working with Douglas and the rest of the team to ensure a Labour gain here and help deliver the change we need.”

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“Our victory in Rutherglen and the united and confident conference in Liverpool have demonstrated that we are ready to kick the Tories out at the election. But we must do more than just win the next election.

“Scotland needs governments at Westminster and Holyrood that will work together in the national interest. We need to defeat the Tories and the SNP for a fresh start for Scotland.”