Community activist standing in Falkirk South by-election wants to be 'local champion'

Claire Aitken is one of seven candidates standing in the by-election next month

A Hallglen woman who helped set up the village's food pantry will be the Labour party candidate in the Falkirk Council by-election on October 17.

The by-election for Falkirk South - which covers the town centre and high flats, as well as Hallglen and Tamfourhill - was caused by the resignation of Euan Stainbank, now the MP for Falkirk.

Seven candidates are hoping to win his vacant seat, including Claire Aitken, who is "Hallglen born and bred".

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She said: "I started volunteering in the community late 2018 when I got fed up with the constant complaints about litter in Hallglen.

"I started a Facebook page and organised my first litter pick.

"Over the six months, I grew the Facebook page to a peak of over 500 members, held an open day and took part in the Keep Scotland Beautiful Big Spring Clean, as well as running weekly litter picks and promoting the Green Dog Walkers pledge."

Ms Aitken joined the Ettrick Dochart Community Hall committee in 2019 and during COVID helped deliver food parcels, which eventually led to the Hallglen food pantry opening.

She added: "We also continue to run social events, and are currently working to save the hall for the people of Hallglen by completing the Community Asset Transfer process.

"I am not a career politician, and as a councillor I want to champion the needs of my constituents, acting as their voice to enable change in the community."

Councillor Anne Hannah, the Labour Group leader, said Ms Aitken is "a strong local woman who has been trying for years to make her community a better place to live".

Ms Aitken is one of seven candidates standing in the election.

The SNP candidate is Carol Beattie, a town centre resident who was, until May this year, the chief executive of Stirling Council.

Former councillor David Grant is standing for the Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party.

Independent candidate Sharron McKean is the founder of Falkirk & District Action Group, which campaigns on local issues including problems with anti-social behaviour in Falkirk's high flats.

The Scottish Greens candidate is Tom McLaughlin; Sean McCay is standing for the Liberal Democrats; and Stuart Martin is standing for Reform UK.

Applications to register to vote must reach the Electoral Registration Officer by midnight on Tuesday, October 1. Applications to register can be made online at GOV.UK: Register to vote.

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