I am absolutely thrilled to say that my friend Mel Sullivan has been selected to fight the Aberdeen South by-election for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. The by-election has been caused by the resignation of the former SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn’s election to the Scottish Parliament earlier this month.

Mel is a Councillor in Aberdeenshire and is so good at framing her arguments in a way that brings people together. She makes you think about things differently. She does so much for her local community above and beyond being a councillor. She puts her caring into action every day.

She graduated from the University of Aberdeen with a degree in Economic Science.

Alongside being an Aberdeenshire councillor, she volunteers with Home-Start Aberdeen, supporting families with young children and has contributed to a wide-range of community organisations.

She sits on the Council’s Infrastructure Services committee and on the Licensing Board. She is also Scottish Liberal Democrat Women’s representative on the party’s policy committee.

Mel said:

I am delighted to have been selected to contest the Aberdeen South by-election.

At the recent election Scottish Liberal Democrats increased our vote share across the North East and elected a new regional MSP who will give people strong and liberal representation across the region.

People have been let down by the SNP, the Conservatives and the Labour party.

Just this week, Labour voted against Liberal Democrat proposals for a customs union with the European Union and relaxed sanctions on Russia while blocking new drilling in the North Sea.

People across the constituency feel like things aren’t working. Even as the North East produces much of Scotland’s energy, our household bills are soaring, while under the SNP waits to see a GP are far too long. People deserve a change with fairness at its heart and that is what I will be campaigning to deliver.

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

Mel Sullivan is someone who is driven to speak up for communities on the issues that matter most.

On the SNP’s watch health, education and the economy have all taken a battering.

If you feel as if you have been let down by the parties in power, come with us.

Everyone in Aberdeen South has a chance to demand change by putting a cross next to Mel Sullivan and the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social