Mr Whitfield, who currently represents East Lothian as part of the South Scotland region at Holyrood, was the county’s MP between June 2017 and December 2019.

Before being elected to the House of Commons he had worked as a teacher at Prestonpans Primary School and went on to teach at Dirleton Primary School from 2020 until his election to the Scottish Parliament in May 2021.

During his time at Holyrood, Mr Whitfield has served as the Convener of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee, as well as Scottish Labour Parliamentary Business Manager and Shadow Minister for Children and Young People.

Commenting on his selection, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I’m honoured to have received the backing of local Labour supporters to be the party’s candidate for the new East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs constituency. It is my home, where I have worked as a teacher, raised my family, and had the privilege of representing in the UK and Scottish parliaments.

“Next year’s election will present voters here and across Scotland with a clear choice – a third decade of managed decline under John Swinney and the SNP or a new direction with Scottish Labour under Anas Sarwar’s leadership. Only Labour will prioritise fixing the NHS, improving our schools, and ending the housing emergency.

“That’s why I’ll be working tirelessly every day from now until the election to speak to local people and convince them that only Scottish Labour can deliver the change we so desperately need.”

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“Martin had my full support in the selection process, and I’m very pleased he has now been endorsed as our candidate for East Lothian Coast and Lammermuirs. I believe he brings unparalleled experience and knowledge as a candidate, having already represented East Lothian as both MP and MSP.

“The election here will again be a two-way contest between Labour and the SNP. Just as I was able to defeat the SNP last year, only a vote for Martin and Scottish Labour in May 2026 will ensure East Lothian plays its part in ending 19 years of SNP incompetence and waste by electing a Labour Scottish Government led by Anas Sarwar.”

Local Labour Party Chair Cllr Shamin Akhtar said: