Willie Rennie has been up in the Highlands these past couple of days. Yesterday, he helped out in a restaurant and cocktail bar in Tain to launch Jamie Stone’s campaign for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross. Thankfully they didn’t let him make any fried rice. When he was a student he thought that you actually had to fry it like an egg.
Cooking up a storm with our candidates in the Highlands. Only Liberal Democrats can save the Highlands from the SNP. pic.twitter.com/I7lqgHVbky
— Willie Rennie (@willie_rennie) May 9, 2017
Today, he’s visiting an ironing company in Dingwall (Lib Dems pressing forward – ed) as he launches Jean Davis’ campaign for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, Charles Kennedy’s old seat.
The thing about 54 Scottish seats at the moment is that they are all being failed in numerous ways from health to education to farming by the SNP Government at Holyrood, yet they are represented by SNP MPs who sign up to a code of conduct that they will not criticise the party . These areas need MPs who will stand up for them against what the SNP is doing.
This is a point that Willie will be pressing (sorry) home today. He said:
The NHS in the Highlands is under considerable strain and these figures show a multi-million pound shortfall on the SNP’s watch. Waiting times are increasing and people are being forced to travel long distances for essential treatment.
The SNP dismiss these problems and pretend everything is rosy while they deprive the NHS of the necessary funds to help tackle the problem. Imagine the difference we would see if the NHS in the Highlands hasn’t been shortchanged like it has been over the years.
With the Highlands crying out for a local champion the SNP have tunnel vision over their constitutional ambitions. Unlike the SNP, a Liberal Democrat MP will stick up for the region and reject a second divisive independence referendum. Only the Liberal Democrats can save the Highlands from the SNP.
UPDATE: And here is pressing forward to victory:
Journalists 'Marvel' at Lib Dem 'Iron Man' Willie Rennie on the election campaign trail in Dingwall pic.twitter.com/OeL4IBX5Gt
— Andrew Thomson (@andyinverness) May 10, 2017
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
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10 Comments
What all women need – a man who knows how to iron. Fortunately for Willie I’ve already got one!
Both Jamie Stone and Jean Davis failed even to get elected to the council a few days ago-and that under a PR system with multiple councillors being elected.
Still, don’t let me disturb the fantasising.
@Thomas Robinson
“Both Jamie Stone and Jean Davis failed even to get elected to the council a few days ago-and that under a PR system with multiple councillors being elected.
Still, don’t let me disturb the fantasising.”
I think you are the one suffering from fantasies.
The Returning Officer for Highland Council would certainly think so: http://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/17814/declaration_of_results_report_ward_7_tain_and_easter_ross
It’s half a fantasy, Simon. Let’s call it a fant.
Be nice to get the stats comparing Scotland and England A & E waiting times, prescription charges and hospital car parking again.
Oh dear – it could not have happened to a ……… man
Congratulations Mr Stone
A bit of pressure on the Scottish Green party, who seem to have become a wholly-owned subsdiary of the SNP wouldn’t go amiss as well, I’m sure. They won’t win any seats, but a squeeze on their vote could help.
@ Chris Bertram According to the BBC, the Scottish Greens are only fielding three candidates for Westminster seats.
@chris Bertram
I think I would have avoided “…wholly owned subsidiary” given the LibDem track record with the Tory Party.
So it seems that the Scot Lib Dems want to rerun the 2016 Holyrood election. Presumably thats because they don’t have any faith in the UK leadership and policy.
Thanks for pointing out my misreading of the results. Jamie Stone did indeed achieve the 3rd seat in his area at the sixth stage. It does still look as if Jean Davis lost her seat.
Neither situation seems indicative of likely Lib Dem regains to me but we shall all see soon enough.