Tommy Sheppard

I’m standing for depute leader of the SNP because I want us to win the next independence referendum. To do that we need to get active, get organised and reach out, building a new independence alliance.

The past few years have been a time of tremendous change in Scottish politics. Fresh ideas have emerged, and old allegiances changed. Tens of thousands have joined the SNP. We need to get our party match fit to lead and win the next independence referendum.

All 4 candidates have been invited to East Lothian CA

WHEN - Monday 22nd August - 7pm

Our party needs an organisational upgrade. That’s why I’m standing for depute leader. Over the next two months I’m keen to listen to members about how they think we can improve but I also want to chuck out some ideas for discussion myself.

This week I’m focusing on the basic unit of our organisation – the party branch. This is internal stuff. Non-party members should maybe look away now. Or maybe not.

All 4 candidates have been invited to a meeting of Eastwood Branch

WHEN - Thursday 18th August (arrivals from 7pm)

I will be speaking at one of the branches in my Edinburgh East Constituency - Leith Branch

WHEN -  Wenesday 17th August - 8pm

I have been invited to speak at a meeting of Linlithgow Branch

WHEN - Tuesday 16th August - 7.30pm

All 4 candidates will be attending a hustings organised by Dunfermline and West Fife Constituency Association.

WHEN - Thursday 11th August (arrivals from 7pm)

And, we’re off! Nominations closed yesterday for the post of SNP depute and it was a shock to no-one that all four previously declared candidates have confirmed their position on the starting grid.

Today I launch my campaign at the CCA in Glasgow, where I’ll be setting out why I want the job.

I had a great time meeting the folks at Community Renewal Scotland. Sheila McWhirter, Sean Connor and Archie Lowe took me through all the work they are doing across East Edinburgh and the projects specifically focused on Magdalene and Bingham.

They have a holistic approach which involves employability services for all but also a focus on supporting young people into employment and other positive outcomes such as training, education or volunteering. They have a Health Case Manager who offers individually tailored support from counselling to referrals. They also work with communities, listening to what they want and then helping people connect and become active and find ways to achieve change. This is what they have been doing in Magdalene and Bingham and they are now looking at how to build on the response from the community.

Come along to hear the candidates set out their case for the Depute Leadership, and have your opportunity to ask questions!

Cllr Chris McEleny (confirmed)