The town of Arbroath was once the centre of Scotland’s political debate.
The Declaration of Arbroath drawn up by Bernard, the Abbot of Arbroath in 1320 asked Pope John XXII to recognise Scotland as an independent country and declare Robert the Bruce it’s lawful king.
The ancient plea for Independence is commemorated in a statue of Robert the Bruce and Bernard presenting the Declaration to the world beside the Abbey.
Now 706 years later, this coastal town is back in the political debate as it prepares to elect a new MP.
Arbroath and Broughty Ferry was created as a constituency in 2023 and takes in parts of the Angus coast stretching to eastern areas of Dundee.
Won by the SNP in the 2024 General Election with a majority of just 859 votes, a by-election was triggered in this seat, after current MP Stephen Gethins won a seat in the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP candidate looking to retain the seat for her party believes this election can be won by promising to cut household bills.
But the party’s campaign comes on the back of the SNP’s former Chief Executive Peter Murrell was found guilty of embezzling over £400,000 of party funds.
STV NewsCandidate Lara Bird said: “I want to make sure people know here that it’s the SNP which is going to take action to tackle the cost-of-living crisis, and we’re doing that, but it’s also it’s the SNP that will stand up for them down in Westminster.”
But the trained lawyer says she doesn’t believe the party’s embezzlement scandal will impact her campaign.
She said: “People are upset about that and it was the members that were the victims of that.
“But to be honest, what we’re hearing from folk on the doors is just that constant upset and frustration of what is going on in Westminster.”
The SNP are not the only party grappling with an election campaign while embroiled in turmoil.
Labour face the potential of leadership contest in Westminster with mounting calls for Keir Starmer to resign.
A by-election in the North England seat of Makersfield could pave the way for Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to make a return to Westminster.
And if successful he’s expected to trigger a leadership election.
STV NewsScottish Labour’s Heather Doran could head to Westminster with an entirely new governing set up within her party.
She said: “Potentially there might be change [of leader] but that’s a discussion that needs to be had.
“if there is going to be a leadership discussion, I wouldn’t like to say either Andy Burnham or Sir Keir Starmer or even someone new not knowing who would be going forward.
“I don’t think they’re interested in talking about leadership issues than governing – they’re still delivering for people and pushing forward.”
Three other parties are standing in this seat with their own ideas of how to improve the local area.
Tanvir Ahmed, Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate says the focus has to be delivering change and improving outcomes for young people.
He said: “People have been let down and what I really want to is create an environment where people are really seeing the difference in their lives.
“We have a lot of poverty in this area, we have a lack of jobs, young people are looking for jobs that can’t find it.
“I’ve got people coming up to me and saying ‘I’ve been applying for jobs for the last year’.
“If we deliver that change in this constituency it also trickles down into Dundee and surrounding areas.”
STV NewsThe Scottish Conservatives are also looking to improve the area focusing on the economy.
Jack Cruickshanks says his plans are to get people talking.
He said: “We would back apprenticeships and I personally would launch a 2050 vision focused on economic growth for Arbroath and Broughty ferry focused on bringing local leaders together from different levels of government and business leaders all focused on one mission – which is to bring economic growth to Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.”
Reform UK’s candidate says they’re also focussing on cutting costs for the average household.
Bill Reid said: “The cost of living for the average man, woman in the street is absolutely horrendous.
“And I don’t think Westminster or Holyrood fully understand just how dire it is for people.
“The first thing we would do about it is scrap net zero because that is the driver of the costs.”
This by-election may be getting less attention than others happening on the same day – but the outcome is no less important for voters looking for reassurance, change and a bit of support.
Voters will go to the polls at 7am on Thursday June 18.
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