Central Ayrshire's Labour candidate urges action on poverty

Former diplomat Alan Gemmell left the campaign trail to join fellow Labour volunteers raising money for Comic Relief.

And they also collected donations for the North Ayrshire Foodbank.

Irvine-born Alan was recently selected as Labour candidate for the seat currently held by the SNP's Dr Philippa Whitford, who is stepping down at the next election.

He said: "Politics isn’t all about delivering leaflets and knocking on doors. Labour is committed in government to tackling poverty at home and abroad but we also wanted to do something right now to help.

Alan's foodbank delivery (Image: Alan Gemmell)

"Along with my team of volunteers we held a raffle for Comic Relief and collected loads of donations for the local food bank.

"Talking to people on the doorstep, we are hearing from far too many people who are struggling right now.

"We are the sixth richest country in the world, with some of the most innovative companies and entrepreneurs; world-class universities; amazing creative industries, natural resources, clean power and great tourism.

"And yet I can’t believe the levels of poverty and destitution in our community today.

"We have the second highest rate of child poverty in Scotland, a third of homes living in fuel poverty - and a chronic over reliance on foodbanks."

The candidate added: "Someone told me she cried every night because she faced a choice between eating or heating.

"Someone else, in rented accommodation, has been waiting 21 years on the council housing list.

"That is why we desperately need the change that only a Labour Government can bring, reducing the appalling levels of poverty right across our country."