Doon Valley by-election: Candidates make case to voters

Prospective councillors were asked about their priorities should they be elected.

The candidates are Jim Kyle (Labour), Lorraine Pollock (SNP), Tracey Clark (Conservative), Trevor Grant (Lib Dems), Korrin Vallance (Scottish Greens), Stef McNamara (Independent) and Jim Ireland (Independent).

READ MORE: Reminder to cast your vote in upcoming council by-election

The statements from those who responded can be found below:

Jim Kyle – Labour

I am proud to have been selected as the Scottish Labour Party candidate for the Doon Valley by election and I am asking you to consider giving me your 1st preference vote.

There is a perfect storm of mounting pressures and dwindling resources which has left councils at breaking point and vital services are under threat as a result.

As your councillor, I promise not to be distracted by political squabbles and the same old rhetoric.

Regardless of your politics, I will put the people of Doon Valley first. This by-election is a chance to elect someone focused on protecting public services and deliver results for local people.

The SNP Government in Scotland has taken cuts handed down by the previous UK Tory Government, trebled them and passed them on to local councils.

It’s time for a fair deal for Doon Valley and that is what I will fight for you as your councillor. As your councillor I will prioritise the things that really matter – tackling the cost of living crisis, more investment for council services, well funded local schools and delivering much needed council homes for families.

In the first Labour budget in 14 years, Rachael Reeves announced that former mine workers will receive a boost to their pensions.

Our local Labour MP, Elaine Stewart had raised the issue with the Chancellor and now former mine workers across East Ayrshire are in line for an extra £29 per week.

Only Scottish Labour is committed to properly funding our public services and rebuilding our communities, Only Scottish Labour is standing up for you.

Lorraine Pollock – SNP 

I’m excited to be standing as the SNP candidate for Doon Valley in the upcoming by-election on November 14.

With a strong commitment to the community, I will focus on making life better for people in all areas of Doon Valley.

After speaking with many residents, I fully understand the key issues that matter most to the community and I’m ready to work hard to address their concerns.

My main goals for Doon Valley:

Tackling fuel poverty and health challenges
I’m deeply concerned about the impact of fuel poverty on the well-being of residents. No one should have to choose between heating their home and their health.

I will campaign for support to make homes more energy-efficient; help reduce energy bills and ensure that everyone can live in warmth and comfort, especially during the winter months. I believe that addressing fuel poverty is essential for both the physical and mental health of the community.

Supporting local jobs and businesses
I appreciate that good jobs close to home are essential for a strong community. By supporting small businesses, promoting job training, and encouraging new companies to set up here, I aim to campaign strongly for more local job opportunities that will help people of all ages.

Strong community services
I would love to see improvements in the services that support people at every stage of life, from schools for young people to care services for older residents. By advocating for increased resources, my goal would be that everyone in Doon Valley has access to the services they need.

Representing Everyone in Doon Valley
I’m here to listen and to act for all communities in Doon Valley. My goal is to make sure everyone’s needs are heard, and that Doon Valley gets the support it deserves.

Korin Vallance – Scottish Greens

Having Scottish Green voices in the room at Holyrood and in local council chambers has led to transformative policies such as free bus travel for under 22s, rent controls to help with the cost of living for tenants and all-time-high levels of funding for the environment and nature restoration.
I hope to build on these successes in East Ayrshire. My priorities for the Doon Valley ward are as follows:

Better and more frequent bus services
Doon Valley is a rural area, and combating the climate emergency must mean we have fewer cars on the road. It is therefore vital that residents have access to timely, reliable and frequent public transport.

Repairing the B741 at Pennyvenie
This section of road has been neglected for a very long time, and the potholes are numerous and dangerous.

Fighting Labour and SNP austerity
The previous Labour councillor in Doon Valley, Elaine Stewart, was recently lucky enough to be afforded the trust of this community in the General Election. Stewart immediately betrayed that trust by voting against abolishing the two-child benefit cap and in favour of scrapping the universal winter payment.

This keeps thousands of East Ayrshire kids in poverty, and our elderly population vulnerable to illness and death. Austerity doesn’t work; it is a death spiral for infrastructure and public services.

Politicians like to say that we have no other choice – but this is simply not true.
While we in Scotland have fewer of the vital money-raising powers than England, and it certainly limits our ability to offset austerity measures from Westminster, the Scottish Greens have introduced policies such as double council tax on second homes to raise funds and free up housing stock during this housing crisis.

Trevor Grant – Scottish Lib Dems

A lot of people in Doon Valley feel let down and taken for granted. Whether it’s access to healthcare, housing or soaring energy bills, both the SNP and the Conservatives have failed to fix the things that matter.

As Liberal Democrats, we believe in a politics of public service – in a politics that works for you and your community.

That’s why we would get everyone faster access to GPs and NHS dentists by tackling problems at their root. By easing pressures in social care and mental health we can free up space across our health service and get everyone the care they need. And Ed Davey is leading the fight for a fair deal for family carers.

The SNP once claimed that education was their defining mission, but instead they’ve inflicted cuts upon councils.

It means schools don’t have the resources they desperately need. Scottish Liberal Democrats will listen to teachers and pupils, take action to close the attainment gap and ensure that every child gets the chance to thrive.

Everyone should be able to have a good quality of life in communities where they feel safe. That’s why we will address the housing crisis head-on and rejuvenate our local high streets.  

We want to see the Scottish Government and local authorities working in partnership to end the antisocial behaviour that blights communities.

This is the positive vision that my party is putting forward at this by-election. By voting for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, you will get someone who will fight tirelessly for your community and the issues that matter.

Tracey Clark – Conservatives

Tracey Clark is the Conservative and Unionist candidate for the Doon Valley ward in the local council by-election on Thursday 14th November.
Tracey says she is standing to:

• Improve accessibility of local health services including support for mental health and addiction
• Fight for more sustainable housing for local people to help regenerate our communities
• Work with the police in their fight to stop crime and anti-social behaviour
• Push for upgrading and the upkeep of our community parks and play areas

Tracey said: “I am delighted to be standing as the Scottish Conservative and Unionist candidate for the Doon Valley ward on Thursday, November 14.

“For too long residents of East Ayrshire have been badly let down by Labour and the SNP in the Council Chambers, at Holyrood, and now in Westminster.

“They continually fail to understand what really matters to local people here in the Doon Valley.

“If elected I promise to be an active and accessible local councillor, committed to common sense policies for the residents of our community.”