Councillor Alex Lunn who represents the Duddingston/Craigentinny Ward and who has been a lifelong Labour supporter has joined the SNP group on the City of Edinburgh Council.
The SNP regard this announcement as further proof that a Yes vote is drawing in support from across Scotland. Councillor Lunn told The Edinburgh Reporter this evening:-“I’m of the view that Scotland needs to grab this opportunity for independence. The ConDems are running this county into the ground and independence is our best chance to protect our NHS from privatisation and protect other services that reflect Scottish Social Democratic Values.
“I’ve been impressed by the SNP government since 2007. Free prescriptions are something I’ve always campaigned for. Only an SNP government delivered that. The SNP is a party which has the best interests of the Scottish public at the centre of its values. “
When we first met Alex Lunn as a prospective councillor he explained that he was from a Labour family. Today however that has all changed. He went on to tell us:-“My family have always supported independence. My mum and brother have both joined the SNP today and are delighted at my decision.”
We asked the Council Leader, Andrew Burns, for his view on Councillor Lunn’s move. He said:-“I’m bitterly disappointed that Alex has chosen to leave the Scottish Labour Party. Alex has never raised his ‘apparent’ support for Independence with myself, or any Group colleagues, and thus his decision to defect has come completely out of the blue.
“Obviously, this won’t affect the current Coalition arrangements and we’ll continue to work as a Capital Coalition for the wider benefit of the people of Edinburgh.”
Councillor Lunn’s decision to join the SNP means that SNP representation on Edinburgh City Council has now increased to 18 councillors, with the Labour group having 20 councillors including the Lord Provost. The Council’s website has already been updated to reflect the change on this page here.
Commenting on the move, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Eastern Kenny MacAskill said:-“The news that Councillor Lunn has decided to join the SNP and campaign for a Yes vote next year is extremely welcome.
“It is further proof that the case for an independent Scotland is drawing in support from across Scotland, as more and more people share our vision for what we can achieve with a Yes vote.
“It is also a firm demonstration that the SNP is on the side of the people when it comes to the social contract policies our citizens rely on.
“Where Johann Lamont’s Cuts Commission is determined to take the axe to vital services, the SNP is protecting key measures like free prescriptions, care for the elderly and extra police officers to protect Scotland’s communities.
“That is why people across Scotland are continuing to back the SNP and the policies we are continuing to deliver.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
