Johan to stand in by-election for Labour

LOCAL accountant Johan Adamson has been announced as the Labour candidate for the upcoming Shetland by-election.

She said she is “relishing the opportunity to put local concerns at the forefront of the campaign”.

Adamson works for the Shetland Times as well as being a crofter and a community councillor.

Scottish Labour said issues such as “poor transport links, bringing more jobs to communities across Shetland through fair access to public contracts and better support for crofters and fishermen” will all be part of the campaign.

The Scottish Parliament by-election is due to take place on 29 August after Tavish Scott steps down to take up a role at Scottish Rugby.

Adamson said she was “absolutely delighted to be selected as Scottish Labour’s candidate in the Shetland by-election”.

“Only Scottish Labour has the ambition to deliver real change for communities across Shetland who are being let down by the SNP government in Edinburgh,” she said.

“The cuts to councils imposed by the SNP are eroding lifeline public services such as internal ferries and our children’s education.

“And whether inside or outside the EU, our vital crofting and fishing industry needs better support for it to thrive for years to come.

“I am excited about this campaign and look forward to putting forward Scottish Labour’s positive vision of investing in our communities, our public services and our people.”

Labour came third at the last Scottish Parliament election in 2016, with Robina Barton securing around nine per cent of the votes.

Adamson joins previously announced by-election candidates councillors Ian Scott and Ryan Thomson.

It is understood the identity of the Liberal Democrat candidate will be revealed at the weekend.

The local SNP branch, meanwhile, is meeting this evening (8 July).