Liberal Youth Scotland President Sophie Bridger has been selected as the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate to fight the Inverclyde by-election, caused by the sad death of Labour MP David Cairns last month. The by-election takes place on 30th June.
Sophie, who’s 20, is studying Psychology at Glasgow University. Sophie has campaigned with Liberal Youth Scotland on issues such as equal marriage, a fair deal for students and increased powers for the Scottish parliament.
Sophie was a key member of Katy Gordon’s campaign team in Glasgow North last year and stood herself in Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn in the Holyrood elections this year.
I’ve known her since she came to Scotland and have found her to be persuasive, intelligent and articulate, with a cool head, and an extremely likeable manner. She’s the ideal person to fight this by-election.
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie MSP said:
I am delighted that Sophie has been chosen as our candidate for this important by-election and I congratulate her on this achievement.
Sophie is the right choice for Inverclyde. She is a rising star within the Party and I know that she will be a fresh new voice for Inverclyde at Westminster.
Sophie has a brilliant track record, having given her time over to volunteering and working in a care home. It is time for a real change in Inverclyde and Sophie and the Scottish Liberal Democrats will make that change.
Liberal Democrats have real solutions and voters here can put their faith in the younger generation to fight for Inverclyde.
Deputy Leader and East Dunbartonshire MP Jo Swinson also welcomed Sophie’s selection:
Sophie is a bright and able candidate and will be a breath of fresh air in the forthcoming by-election campaign. She has the skills and energy to be an excellent representative for the people of Inverclyde. I’ll be joining her on the campaign trail on Saturday and hope to see fellow Liberal Democrats getting out there to support Sophie too.
If you want to help Sophie’s campaign, please call Jean Hunter on 01475 704735 or Simon Hutton on 07886 626380. Donations, made payable to Inverclyde Liberal Democrats, are welcome. Please send to Sophie at 54 Kelly Street, Greenock, PA16 8TR.