Greens want ‘positive and respectful’ campaign after Christina McKelvie’s death

Scottish Greens have called for a “positive and respectful” campaign in the by-election taking place in the wake of the death of a Scottish Government minister.

The party announced that Ann McGuinness will be their candidate for the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.

The ballot is taking place there on June 5 following the death in March of the SNP’s Christina McKelvie.

Scottish Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “None of us want this by-election to be taking place.

“It should be a positive and respectful contest, and one that lives up to the values that Christina McKelvie lived by.”

He added: “By voting for Ann, the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse have the opportunity to elect an experienced campaigner for equality and environmental justice who will prioritise people and planet.”

Ms McGuinness, a charity director and mother of two, said she was “proud” to have been selected to fight the seat.

She added she would “spend the weeks ahead speaking to as many people as possible across the constituency, to discuss their hopes for their children and their future, the strength and value of their communities and the everyday challenges that they face”.

She pledged: “Every vote for the Scottish Greens will be a positive vote for a fairer and greener Scotland and a brighter future for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.

“If we are to build a truly just and green future we need to empower every town and village and ensure that no one is left behind.”