2022 East Lothian Council election: Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry ward candidates

Four of them will be elected.

Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry ward, which also includes Elphinstone and Whitecraig, currently has 2 Labour councillors, 1 Conservative councillor and 1 SNP councillor.

Candidates are listed below in alphabetical order.

Fiona Dugdale (Labour)

I HAVE lived in Tranent for 16 years with my husband and we are now raising our son here. I work part-time in the NHS, where I am on the frontline of mental healthcare. I have felt so proud and privileged to serve the residents of the Tranent, Wallyford and Macmerry ward over the last five years as part of a strong Labour team alongside Councillor Colin McGinn. I have loved making connections across the ward, and being able to offer support to so many individual residents and groups. I hope that people will have come to know that I work hard and have found me to be available, responsive, caring and persistent. Local government is crucial in all our lives. I would be honoured to be re-elected to continue to work to protect our local services, respond to the developing needs of our communities and always speak up for East Lothian.

Jimmy Haddow (STUSC)

I HAVE been an active trade unionist and international socialist for over four decades, defending the working class against the scourge of this exploitative and unequal profit system called capitalism – including being involved in the non-payment of the poll tax campaign, for which I was jailed and expelled from the Labour Party. If elected as a STUSC councillor, I will oppose all austerity cuts to council services and put forward a legal no-cuts needs budget for the county. The money for this can be found by present council powers using reserves, borrowing powers and other financial measures to avoid making cuts. Then the council can fight for the return of the millions of pounds stolen through austerity from the national government by building a mass militant campaign in the trade unions and population of East Lothian; but linking this working class revolt with other councils in Scotland and throughout Britain.

Hazel Hamilton (ALBA)

ALBA knows that it is only with independence and all the powers of a normal sovereign nation that the poverty and inequality that dishonours Scotland can be fully corrected. We will press every level of government and use every opportunity to confront poverty and ensure no child ever goes hungry, no one is left homeless or in substandard housing, and no one is forced to switch off their heating. ALBA commits to eliminate the need for foodbanks by eliminating poverty. ALBA will work with unions and the care sector to halt the bargain-basement rates paid to dedicated and skilled care workers and care providers. We will invest in a skatepark for Tranent’s young people, promote climate change net-zero and create active travel footpaths, running routes and cycle tracks. ALBA will protect women's and children's rights by maintaining single sex spaces. ALBA stands for Scotland.

Gordon Mackett (Conservative)

I AM STANDING for re-election after being the first Scottish Conservative and Unionist councillor elected in the ward in 2017. I was raised in Tranent and live in the ward with my family. I am a father and grandfather of one. One of my biggest achievements whilst a councillor was the active role I played in ending the Wallyford greyhound track, which thankfully is currently being demolished after 20 years; the land will now provide much-needed local employment opportunities. I was involved in setting up the Tranent Wombles and the Macmerry Litter Squad, which have both helped in making areas litter free, whilst bringing the community together. I was selected by Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council to judge the TECC awards in November 2021 to reward outstanding local achievements. I have supported the work of Centre Stage musical theatre group and have helped to secure funding towards permanent lights.

Colin McGinn (Labour)

HONESTY, integrity, perseverance and service are the values that drive me every day. I have lived in Tranent all my life and for over 30 years I have volunteered and supported many families and individuals in our community. The last few years as a councillor have thrown up many challenges, not least during the pandemic. However, I am proud of the Scottish Labour-led administration’s response in ensuring our county and residents are at the core of everything we do. In the face of unprecedented cuts to our budgets, battling austerity and a global pandemic, I am also proud of my own response to my constituents and the work Fiona Dugdale and I have done. My promise to you is that if you put your trust in me to represent you for another five years, I will continue to work tirelessly for you and our wonderful community to the best of my ability.

Kenny McLeod (SNP)

I HAVE been an elected councillor now for 15 years and previously to that for a further 15 years a community councillor, so my depth of knowledge on local issues and local concerns stands me in good stead to be re-elected in May. Experience on how the council operates and how budgets are agreed is a part of being a councillor, but trust is also a big part as well. I never promise something I don’t have control of, but will do my hardest to get answers and things done to an acceptable standard in the ward I represent. The good people of the ward I represent know experience is required to get things done and will back the right persons in the May election.

Lee-Anne Menzies (SNP)

IF YOU want someone who will speak up for your group, your street, your village or our communities, vote for me. I’m a loud and seasoned advocate for all of these in my professional life. I’m the person that people turn to for help and support, and I’m happy to put my skills to use. Married to a wonderful man, with two grown-up bairns and my two adopted dogs (the real bairns), Jack and Victor, I live in Tranent and see the potential to improve the towns and villages in our ward. I’m a problem solver and tenacious with it. If I get told something “can’t be done”, I won’t rest until we find a way. There’s usually a way. I don’t make promises I can’t keep and I don’t give up. Collaboration will be key to getting the work done and I’m a team player. Vote Menzies #1.

Marnie Stirling (Greens)

I LIVE in Tranent and work in the further education and care sectors, supporting people with a range of disabilities to live fulfilling and successful lives. Out of work, I enjoy wild camping and growing plants, fruit and veg with my eight-year-old son. If elected, I would like to see better provisions and more transparency in the care the council provides. Families should be allowed to choose who it is they get to care for their loved ones. Care starts in the home and owning or renting your own home shouldn't be a reason why you get less adequate care. Improvement of your home to bring it to a liveable standard should be included in your care plan set up by the council. My priorities would also include tackling the council’s litter problem and improved transport links to education campuses and safe travel routes for all road users.

Elisabeth Wilson (Liberal Democrats)

AS YOUR councillor, my two top priorities will be to help those most affected by the cost of living crisis and to push for action on green issues. I can bring a lot of useful experience to the job of councillor. I’ve been a councillor and health board member, and I have worked as a social work manager and university teacher. My background is varied. I spent my early years in a pit village before moving to Edinburgh, where my father was a minister with an inner-city parish, and I’m now settled in East Lothian. We need more joined-up thinking. East Lothian Council has made a start by insulating the outside of some houses. I would investigate how this could be extended to other homes. Better insulation for all kinds of housing, for example, would mean warmer homes, better health and more financial security for all households.