Two more join Argyll's election contest

The new constituency expands beyond Argyll and Bute to include south and west of Fort William and Ardnamurchan, an area administered by Highland Council.

Last week, we published election pitches from the first four to declare their candidacy: Alan Reid (Liberal Democrats), Amanda Hampsey (Conservative & Unionist), Brendan O’Hara (SNP), and Hamish Maxwell (Labour).

Candidates had until June 7 to register. By the deadline, two more candidates had added their names to the list: Melanie Hurst, representing Reform UK, and Argyll and Bute councillor for South Kintyre Tommy Macpherson, who is standing as an independent. 

We contacted both asking for their election pitches for publication.

Melanie Hurst (Reform UK)

"Living in Oban with my family, I’m truly honoured to have been selected to run for election in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber for Reform UK. 

"I am not a career politician, I am an ordinary working-class woman who cares – that’s what makes me different. 

"I can no longer sit back and watch the political elites serve themselves, it is time to put our needs first. 

"To that end, I will work tirelessly to serve the people of Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber to ensure we are heard, so join me in my quest to put our needs first."