Lib Dems choose Stuart Ritchie for East Lothian.

7.01.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 14th Oct 2009

Stuart Ritchie being congratulated by the 2001 and 2005 General Election candidates Judy Hayman and Chris Butler

East Lothian Liberal Democrats have chosen Stuart Ritchie as their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the forthcoming Westminster election. Stuart takes over from Chris Butler who fought the last General Election.

Stuart (33) currently works as PR Adviser for EEF, the Manufacturers Organisation which represents over 6,000 Manufacturing and Engineering companies across the UK.

The former Dunbar Grammar School pupil has lived in East Lothian for 24 years in total. He graduated from University of Paisley in 2000 with a BA Hons in Media, Theory and Production before being employed as a Press Officer for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Stuart has also worked for Community Service Volunteers (CSV) helping adults with learning difficulties.

Stuart was a member of Belhaven Parish Church and served on the Committee of Dunbar United FC for a couple of seasons back in the 90s.

Commenting on his selection Stuart Ritchie said:

"I am delighted to have been selected by East Lothian Liberal Democrats to be their candidate at the next election. Having lived in East Lothian for 24 years I know the challenges people face every day in East Lothian and look forward to the chance to represent them in Parliament.

"When I talk to people they tell me it is time for a change, the Labour party has taken the people of East Lothian for granted for too long. The SNP are irrelevant at Westminster and Westminster is irrelevant to the SNP. Only the Liberal Democrats have the policies and vision to lead this country out of recession and create a better future for people in East Lothian."

Stuart can be contacted on 0792 000 5578