I’m standing in this local by-election in Colinton/Fairmilehead as an independent candidate and I’m hoping you’ll take a few minutes to let me to introduce myself.

Full statement

I am Local, I live in the constituency (EH11 4SJ), I went to the local schools. I know and care about the community and I care deeply about improving the area but also protecting and improving local services.

Experienced

A former DJ, Pub Landlord, media entrepreneur and business man, today I am pursuing a new media venture for Scotland. I currently make a music TV programme called “Blast From The Past”. Politically, I was a campaigning member of both the SNP and Alba parties and have written party policies including Alba’s, “Men Must Support Equality” and “Empowering Parents and Protecting Children”.

I am a director of the not-for-profit think tank, The Sovereignty Research Group Ltd, which continues to research and publish material on a fair and democratic future for Scotland.

I am also a carer for my elderly mum. So I know first-hand the struggles faced by carers in Scotland and just how urgent it is to improve social care services and support.

Principled

I support women’s equality and a change to the Equality Act 2010 so that the protected characteristic of “Sex” is clearly defined as biological sex in law.

I am committed to the rights of parents to consent to or refuse permission for controversial teaching material, especially for young children. Parents are entitled to protect their children from age inappropriate or harmful content such as explicit sexual material and gender ideology and I will fight for the rights of carers and those in need of care.

If elected, I will work with other parties and councillors to improve the ward. I will use a vote in the city chambers to protect services for pensioners including social care and to support parents and school budgets. I want to see Edinburgh's roads repaired and to see an end to the use of pothole patching and proper road repairs.

I am Independent

Isn’t it time for representatives who answer to their constituents, not to political party whips? If you agree that’s a truer, better form of democracy, please vote number 1 for me to become your independent councillor.