Fergus Ewing ‘sorely tempted’ to stand for Holyrood election as independent candidate

Local MSP Fergus Ewing has given his biggest indication yet that he may well stand as an independent candidate against the SNP for the constituency at the next Holyrood election.

The SNP Inverness and Nairn MSP said that he feels encouraged to do so by the response from Strathy readers.

The strath MSP has been at loggerheads with several key party policies in recent years.

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He said: “After my recent announcement that I could not defend the SNP record of broken promises on the A9 and A96, and thus will not again stand for the SNP as a candidate at next years Holyrood election, many Strathy readers have kindly written to encourage me to stand as an independent .

“I will make that decision nearer the time. But I am sorely tempted to do so. Many people are just fed up with politicians who parrot the party line.

They wish independent thinking, common sense and speaking out.

“The ‘net zero’ that people actually want - is net zero broken promises - whether on the A9 or everything else.

“My impression is many are heartily sick of the blame game - that everything stems from Brexit or Westminster.

“Many folk want new thinking and honest straight forward talking about the serious predicament we are now in - and more important - how to get out of it.”

Mr Ewing added: “I claim no special gift, or powers but Strathy readers can at least be sure that everything I say - I actually mean.

“I doubt there are many government ministers whether in Westminster or Holyrood that, hand on heart, can truly say that.”

The Highlands’ first transgender councillor is in the running to replace Mr Ewing as the SNP candidate for the seat at next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

Councillor Sarah Fanet, who represents Fort William and Ardnamurchan, became the first openly trans elected official in Scotland when she won a by-election in December 2021, and earlier this year reportedly passed vetting by the party to contest a spot at Holyrood.

Councillor Fanet is believed to be up against former equalities minister Emma Roddick and Elgin councillor Jérémie Fernandes for the nomination.

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