Stevenson Comments On Tory Candidate's Decision To Resign

Speaking about Jimmy Buchan’s decision to resign as a candidate in the forthcoming Scottish General Election, Banff & Buchan MSP and candidate for the new Banffshire & Buchan Coast constituency Stewart Stevenson said:

“I wish Jimmy Buchan every success with his fishing interests. Working in the industry is always a challenge and I respect his need to focus on his contribution to it.”

Mr Buchan’s resignation as Tory candidate comes almost exactly four years to the day since Ted Brocklebank resigned as Conservative spokesperson on fisheries in protest at his party’s decision to drop their policy of withdrawal from the Common Fisheries Policy.

On the Conservative Party, Mr Stevenson continued,

“It has been clear for some time that it has been the SNP Government in Edinburgh, not the Tory-led Government in London, that has been taking the lead in standing up for Scottish fishing interests.

“A vote for the SNP in May is a vote to support fishing, and our other rural industries.”

Mr Buchan was also highly supportive of the SNP Government’s record on fisheries prior to being approached to stand as a Conservative candidate, telling the Sunday Express on 8 June 2008:

"For the first time in many years I see a government actually fighting for the best interests of Scottish industry and I see a government willing to work and listen to the people at the sharp end of the industry."