Two by-elections are being held on Thursday to replace two councillors who became MSPs in the Scottish parliamentary election in May and who have since stood down from the council.
One of the candidates is the SNP candidate for Southside/Newington Ward. The previous incumbent, Simita Kumar is now a Government Minister, but Silas McGilvray is aiming to retain the seat for the SNP
On the eve of the by-election this is his message:
“I’ve always wanted the work I do in my career to be meaningful and impactful, and I can think of few jobs more meaningful and impactful than being a councillor.
“Edinburgh is a world-class city, and Portobello Craigmillar ward is such a wonderful part of it. But not everyone who lives here feels that. That’s something I want to help address as Portobello Craigmillar’s SNP councillor – to make sure that everyone in this area has a council that meets their needs and a community they can be proud to be part of.
“To me, this means:
- “Addressing the city’s housing issues: more housing, more affordable housing, and good amenities and services for that housing.
- Addressing the cost of living crisis: helping people financially cope in difficult times – childcare is particularly close to my heart here!
- Supporting community cohesion: building stronger communities that support their people and that reject prejudice.“
