An Edinburgh landscape gardener and litter-picker has been confirmed as the Green candidate for the Corstorphine/Murrayfield by-election.
Chris Young said he would focus on improving air quality on "one of the most polluted" roads in Scotland, as well as promoting public transport and active travel if elected to the council.
His candidacy was announced following a selection meeting on Thursday (January 19).
READ MORE: Former NHS nurse joins Edinburgh Council by-election race as Lib Dem candidate
The ballot to pick a new councillor will be held on Thursday, March 9 and comes following the sudden resignation of former SNP Lord Provost Frank Ross.
Mr Young, a Corstorphine resident for nearly 20 years, is co-convener of the West Edinburgh Greens and has been active in campaigning for a low traffic neighbourhood in the area.
A landscape gardener for more than 30 years, he now works part-time to fulfil his role as a stay-at-home dad and also organises local litter picks. His hobbies include painting and amateur dramatics.
He said: “As a local resident I know the council needs to work far harder to tackle local air pollution and make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle."
He pledged to push for "serious action" to improve air quality on St Johns Road which he said was "one of the most polluted in the whole of Scotland".
He continued: "That means bold political leadership, and delivering real action to make it easier for people to get around by less polluting transport.
"Wider pavements, better pedestrian crossings, segregated cycle infrastructure and real investment in alternatives to the car are essential.
"Other parties turn up for photo opportunities, but then campaign and vote against the measures that will really make a difference. Greens will push for real action."
The Greens came second last in the ward at the 2022 local election with 6.9 per cent of first preference votes.
After getting half of all first preference votes last year, the Lib Dems are favourites to win the seat, however Mr Young said he believes the "yellow wall" is "built on false promise and dodgy foundations".
"Greens will work hard to crumble that yellow wall by telling the truth about the causes of air pollution and the climate and nature emergencies, and offering real action to tackle them," he added.
Cllr Alys Mumford, Edinburgh Green Group co-convenor said: "I know that Chris will make a fantastic candidate in this election since he's local and has a passion for tackling environmental and social injustice.
"The Green councillors can't wait to work with him to share our Green vision for an Edinburgh which prioritises social and climate justice with the people of Corstorphine/Murrayfield.”
Edinburgh City Council confirmed nominations for by-election candidates will officially open on Monday (January 23) and close at 4pm on February 6.
The council urged all eligible voters in the ward to make sure they are registered to vote by February 21.
Applications for a postal vote should be made by 5pm on February 22, and the cut-off for requesting a proxy vote is 5pm on March 1.
Meanwhile, other parties have announced their candidates as:
- Liberal Democrats - Fiona Bennett
- Labour - Richard Parker
- Conservatives - Hugh Findlay
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