This weekend, Conservative Party members and supporters have been celebrating the achievement of their local Cunninghame North candidate, Jamie Greene, who has been voted into the number two position on the Party list for the West of Scotland Region in next year’s Scottish Parliamentary elections.
Top ranked was Jackson Carlaw, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives who has been a list MSP in this region under the additional member system since 2007. Jamie Greene was voted into the number two position, with Maurice Golden, who also stood in Cunninghame North in 2011, coming third.
Ballot papers were sent out to thousands of party members and people who had demonstrated support for the Scottish Conservatives across the West of Scotland and seven other Regions in Scotland. It means the regional list rankings have been decided entirely by a public vote, making the Scottish Conservatives’ selection system the most democratic in the country. There are currently two Conservative West of Scotland regional list MSPs in Holyrood, Jackson Carlaw MSP and Baroness Annabel Goldie MSP, former Leader of the Conservatives in the Scottish Parliament who is retiring from the Parliament to take up her seat in the House of Lords.
Greenock born, Jamie Greene said "I am extremely delighted and very honoured to have been voted by party members and supporters into second place on the list. Annabel has worked extremely hard for this area over the years and for the party itself so I have very big boots to fill.
Next May there will be a new intake of Conservative MSPs in the Scottish Parliament from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, careers and experiences. It would be an honour to be able to serve this part of Scotland, the place I grew up in, and demonstrate that we truly are a party for everyone and anyone who believes in Scotland, the UK and who shares our values and vision for this country. The hard work starts now and my message is clear, every vote really will count next May."
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: "This has been the most democratic system any of the parties have used to rank candidates for the regional list. We intend to make great progress in May, and the list vote is going to be vital for getting more Conservative MSPs into Holyrood. Now voters can see where their vote will be going if they back the Scottish Conservatives."
Ruth added "We are the only real alternative to the SNP, and the only party serious about Scotland’s place at the heart of Britain. I’m delighted we have such a talented group of candidates on our various regional lists."
Chairman of the North Ayrshire and Arran Conservative and Unionist Association, Richard Wilkinson commented "Jamie has done really well and we will be working hard to maximise his vote in the Cunninghame North constituency next May. We will also be supporting our candidate in Cunninghame South, Billy McClure, so there is much to be done. Already, in the few days since the ranking announcement,
I am seeing an increase in membership and activists locally and I expect this to grow as we get nearer the elections. It’s going to be an exciting year for everyone and we look forward to fighting this election"