Former Independent Depute Provost Joins The SNP

Former Independent Depute Provost of Falkirk, Ricky Wilson, has this week become the SNP in Falkirk’s latest recruit.

The former Councillor was elected to Falkirk Council in May 2003 but was a victim of the new Single Transferable Vote (STV) system in May of 2007 when three wards came together to make the Lower Braes multi member ward. Despite being placed at a disadvantage by the lack of a political machine to back him he almost held on to his seat just being pipped at the post by the Labour Party who were third for first preference votes in the ward.

However, being out of front line politics has given the still popular personality the opportunity to think over his own views of government at all levels and led directly to an application being submitted at the turn of the year to joining the Nationalists.

Ricky Wilson said,

“During my time on the council I got to know the politicians on all sides and at all levels of government very well indeed.

In terms of commitment, ambition and vision the SNP politicians were streets ahead of everyone else. What also impressed me hugely was their commitment, individually and collectively, to their own constituents and this has been a major factor in my decision to join the party.

Since May I have had the opportunity to look at the bigger picture and when you consider the progress made by the SNP Government compared to the total lack of any policy announcements from the new administration in Falkirk Council then the comparison becomes even more obvious.

It is no coincidence that Scotland is doing very well under the SNP and that under the SNP and Independent Administration of Falkirk District there was massive steps forward taken locally”

News of Mr Wilson’s decision to join the SNP has been welcomed by the SNP’s parliamentary candidate for the Falkirk Constituency, John McNally.

Said Mr McNally,

“I had the pleasure of working with Ricky for a couple of years before the elections in 2007 and I know from that experience that he will bring many positive qualities to the party.

I also know that Ricky is an incredibly hard worker within his community and is therefore a huge asset to the campaign to repeat the SNP success of last May when the UK general election is called.”

There were strong words of criticism for former Independent and Conservative colleagues who are propping up the Labour Party in Falkirk Council.

“It seems that personal advancement and promoted positions are more important to some Councillors than the services their constituents use.

Prior to the elections Falkirk Council was becoming known for innovation. The Helix project, recycling, regeneration, the community stadium and new schools, now Falkirk Council appears to becoming known for political paralysis.

I hope that the so called Independent and Conservative Councillors will recognise that the needs of the people are greater than their own ego’s and leave the discredited to New Labour to their own devices.”