A FORMER Yes Scotland researcher has been nominated by SNP members as a potential candidate in the Holyrood elections.
Glasgow councillor Angus Millar will stand for selection in the Glasgow Anniesland constituency with a call for Scottish independence to be “front and centre” of the SNP’s 2026 campaign.
Millar is calling for the re-establishment of a permanent campaign for independence to build a “clear and sustained majority of public opinion for independence”.
He joined the SNP in 2012 ahead of the independence referendum and went on to work full-time as a researcher for the national Yes Scotland campaign, which grew independence support to 45% from the mid-20s.
Millar said: “Scotland needs independence – and any pathway to get there will require us to build a clear and sustained majority of public support.
Last month ex-SNP MP Alyn Smith announced his intention to stand in next year’s Holyrood election and is looking to replace outgoing SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed in the Stirling constituency.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has also secured backing from SNP members and has been formally nominated for the Aberdeen South and North Kincardine seat.
He previously faced backlash from inside and outside the party after announcing his intention to stand for the seat while also remaining an MP. He later backed down and said he would no longer seek a dual mandate.
An attempt to fight Flynn for the nomination was launched by Anouk Kloppert, an SNP councillor in Aberdeenshire, but she has failed to win the backing of local members at a branch meeting.
Several long-serving MSPs have announced their intention to stand down before next year’s election including former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, ex-health secretary Michael Matheson and Finance Secretary Shona Robison.
Ex-first minister Humza Yousaf will also not be running again, while Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop and Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon have announced plans to step back too.
It will pave the way for a new generation of SNP politicians to take up seats at Holyrood, with many of those due to depart having served in the Parliament since it was reconvened in 1999.
Millar added: "I look forward to speaking with members across the newly expanded Glasgow Anniesland constituency in the coming weeks as we build towards next year's crucial election."
