Friday 29 March 2024
 6.4°C   S Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Tory/UKIP candidacies

Jamie Halcro Johnston.

TWO MORE names have joined the race to become the Northern Isles’ new MP – with the local Conservatives selecting Jamie Halcro Johnston and UKIP’s Robert Smith also confirming he will be standing.

Halcro Johnston, who is self-employed and works between Edinburgh and his family’s farm in Orkney, has been the Tories’ candidate for the Orkney seat at the last two Scottish Parliament elections.

Alistair Carmichael has already been reconfirmed as Liberal Democrat candidate, while the SNP and Labour are expected to announce their candidates shortly.

Announcing his candidacy the morning after his party faced opprobrium from every other Holyrood party over its support for the UK Government’s “abhorrent” rape clause, Halcro Johnston said he was “delighted that the local associations in Orkney and in Shetland have put their trust in me”.

The Tories came a distant third to the Liberal Democrats and the SNP with less than nine per cent of the vote in the Northern Isles two years ago – but, on the back of one weekend poll showing a rise in support across Scotland, Halcro Johnston suggested his party was in with a shout.

He said: “Both the Liberal Democrats and the SNP will predictably try to portray this contest as a two-hors race but, with polling showing one in three people in Scotland are now backing the Scottish Conservatives, this just isn’t the case.

“Whether it’s Ruth Davison’s robust opposition to the SNP at Holyrood, or Prime Minister Theresa May’s strong stance against Nicola Sturgeon’s calls for a second referendum on independence, it’s the Conservatives who are standing up to the SNP and their divisive plans to break up the United Kingdom.

“At this election, voters in Orkney and Shetland will have a simple choice to make: elect a Conservative MP whose party has respected the democratic decision of the EU referendum and which is now focused on negotiating the best possible deal for the whole of the UK.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“Or vote for a Liberal Democrat candidate whose party is committed to holding yet another referendum, or an SNP candidate whose party wants to break up the UK and take an independent Scotland straight back into the EU – regardless of how bad a deal they’re offered.”

Shetland Conservative Association chairman Maurice Mullay said it was “gratifying to have as the Conservative candidate a born and bred islander with an outstanding understanding of island industries and issues and an exceptional  understanding of local and national politics”.

He added Halcro Johnston’s “business background, ability, confidence and enthusiasm for the tasks ahead are a tremendous asset”.

Meanwhile Smith, who also stood for UKIP in Orkney and Shetland in both 2010 and 2015, confirmed he would be standing.

“I think it’s important to express the positives of Brexit and allow UKIP supporters to have a chance to vote for their party,” he said.

Smith said that, along with Brexit and the economy, the campaign would focus on “the usual local issues” including ferries, the Viking “scam” and the NHS.

He added that he didn’t know “if I’ll make it to Shetland” between now and 8 June.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.