Clydesdale Teacher hopes to chalk up win over Tories at general election

May 9 2008

CLYDESDALE teacher Claudia Beamish is to represent Labour in the massive Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale seat at the next general election.

This means the well-known district activist will take on sole Scottish Tory MP David Mundell.

Speaking after her selection by the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale Labour Party, Claudia Beamish said: “Invaluable experience with the Scottish Policy Forum, which is the Labour Party's network of members, has given me a very clear understanding of what changes are needed for a fairer and sustainable Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale.

“I am delighted to be standing as a Scottish Labour Party and Co-operative Party candidate.

I look forward to meeting and listening to many people in our communities, workplaces, businesses and the voluntary sector throughout the constituency.

The selection meeting was attended by over 50 members from throughout the constituency. From a short-list of four, Claudia was selected by a one member one vote ballot, winning a resounding victory on first preferences.

Encouraged by this result she has already announced some of her campaign team, including her Election Agent Ralph Barker, who is well-known in the district, particularly for his work with the Clydesdale Rail Action Group.

There was support too from Clydesdale’s Labour Karen Gillon, who said: ”I have known Claudia for a long time. She is very well respected both in her local community and in the Scottish Labour Party and a very hard worker. She was first on our Scottish Parliament Regional Lists both in 2003 and 2007, so has good experience as a candidate.

“Labour missed out on winning this seat by only 1700 votes last time.

“There is a huge appetite in the local Labour Party to gain this seat, and Claudia has the determination, inspiration and local knowledge to achieve success.”

Claudia Beamish was a South of Scotland list candidate for the Scottish Parliament elections in 1999, 2003 and 2007. She has been on the Scottish Executive Committee of the Labour Party since 2001, representing the South of Scotland.

Claudia is Energy Spokesperson for the Socialist Environment Resources Association (SERA) Scotland and has extensive experience and interest in rural and environmental issues.

As a teacher, she works in two rural primary schools.

She and her partner Michael Derrington, actor and “autism practitioner”, have brought up their family in the Clydesdale part of the constituency, near Pettinain.

Their daughter goes to Edinburgh University and the couple’s son attends Lanark Grammar.