Labour Party members in Moray have selected Jo Kirby as Labour’s candidate for the Moray Westminster Parliamentary Constituency (WPC).

In a secret ballot at a meeting on Sunday 13th October 2019 members from both Moray Constituency Labour Party (CLP) and the part of Banffshire and Buchan Coast CLP covered by the Moray WPC, members unanimously backed Jo Kirby as Labour’s candidate.

Speaking after the meeting Jo said: “I am honoured and humbled to have received the unanimous support of local members to stand for Labour.

Only Labour has the positive plan we need to transform our economy both nationally and locally, and to build an economy that works for the many, not the few. I’ll be standing to raise the minimum wage to a real living wage, to invest in education and public services, and to protect the elderly and the vulnerable.

“I’ve spent my whole life working to improve the lives of others, both as a teacher and in my work against poverty. I now hope to continue the fight against poverty and inequality on Westminster’s green benches.”

Jo Kirby is a well-known local teacher, having previously taught at both Elgin Academy and Milne’s High School. Jo currently works as the lead anti—poverty officer for the Northern Alliance (of councils), as well as an outreach teacher working with vulnerable groups. Jo lives in Miltonduff with her husband and son, as well as a St Bernard and a Labrador.

Following Jo’s selection, Labour Councillor John Divers said:

“Jo was an outstanding candidate last time. She has a tremendous reputation locally, and everyone I spoke to during the last election campaign was impressed by Jo’s warmth and honesty. She has a sharp political brain and really cares about the issues that affect ordinary people. I’m delighted Jo is standing again.”

Commenting on the forthcoming election campaign, Labour’s election agent for Moray, Dr Stuart MacLennan, said:

“People thought we were going to be squeezed out last time, but in the end, Jo increased Labour’s vote. More and more people are realising that there’s almost no difference between the SNP and the Tories – they’re both obsessed with constitutional matters while ignoring the real issues affecting the lives of ordinary people. What we’re offering people is a real alternative to the divisive, austerity- ridden politics of the past.”