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Local campaigner chosen by Lib Dems to challenge Labour
August 29, 2006 1:46 PM
Willie Rennie MP with MSP candidate, Jim Tolson
Announcing the Liberal Democrat candidate for the campaign to win the Dunfermline West Scottish Parliamentary election, Willie Rennie MP said the contest was a two horse race between local Liberal Democrat Jim Tolson and Labour's representative.
Willie Rennie, new MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, said:
"Jim Tolson will be a first class MSP for Dunfermline West. He has an unshakeable commitment to local people and a wealth of campaigning experience, which will make him a powerful representative in the Scottish Parliament. Next May's election will be a straight choice between Labour's representative and Jim Tolson. Jim will be an energetic and determined ambassador for Dunfermline West."
Mr Tolson, 41, is an experienced local councillor and campaigner. He is a born and bred Fifer who lives in Dunfermline with his wife. Jim was originally from Ballingry where his father was a coal miner. Jim himself worked in Rosyth Dockyard for 19 years. A keen charity fundraiser, Jim has run a Dunfermline half marathon and abseiled down the Wallace Monument for charity.
Launching his campaign Jim Tolson said:
"National commentators agree that the Liberal Democrats can win Dunfermline West. The by-election success of the Liberal Democrats in February has proven this. With a strong team of local councilors and a first class MP, it is clearly a two horse race between the Liberal Democrats and Labour. The SNP, who trailed in third place in the by-election, are out of this contest too".
"Dunfermline West needs a powerful voice in the Scottish Parliament. The Labour Party has neglected our area for too long."
"I will be campaigning for a new Forth crossing to relieve the strain on the present bridge and ensure the long-term viability of Fife's economy. The alternatives would mean the partial or complete closure of the present bridge and a devastating effect for Dunfermline and beyond."
"Standards in our schools are below average and many school buildings are inadequate for our children. I will be pressing Labour controlled Fife Council to aim for high achievement for our pupils and build a new Dunfermline High School and a secondary school for the West Fife villages."
"I will work with hospital campaigners to ensure that Fife Health Board keeps its promises on Queen Margaret Hospital and does not centralise even more services to Kirkcaldy. But that alone is not enough. We need more services delivered from Queen Margaret and a full consultation for their Lynebank proposals."
"Some of our communities are under threat from major housing developments. I will work with them to make sure their rights are not trampled on."
"Finally, Dunfermline has a great heritage - but thanks to Labour you would hardly know it. I am ashamed of our High Street. We are starting to see the signs of a turnaround, but it is not enough! I will continue to campaign for a revitalised Dunfermline City Centre. I will campaign to make sure the Labour run Fife Council does not neglect our city centre any more."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
· In the constituency Labour has 9 councillors, Lib Dems 5 and SNP 1. The Tories have no Councillors. There are also two Independent councillors.
1 At the By Election in Dunfermline & Fife West on 9th February 2006 , 34578 votes were cast (approximately 49% of the total number of eligible voters) with the following result:
Willie Rennie (Liberal Democrat): 12391 votes, 35.8%, (+15.6%).
Catherine Stihler (Labour): 10591 votes, 30.6%, (-16.8%).
Douglas Chapman (SNP): 7261 votes, 21% (+2.1%).
Carrie Ruxton (Conservative): 2702 votes 7.8% (-2.5%).
Jim Tolson biography
· A Fifer, lived in Dunfermline all his adult life and recently celebrated his 10th wedding anniversary with his wife Alison
1 Originally from Ballingry where his father was coal miner
2 Worked at Rosyth Dockyard for 19 years
3 Awarded an HND in computing at Lauder College
4 Awarded an honours degree in computer networking from Napier University
5 A dedicated Dunfermline councillor with over 14 years experience
6 Works as a Sales Advisor for Sky Television
7 Has a keen interest in motor sports
8 Jim and his wife are keen gardeners
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