Labour has been accused of “shipping” a London councillor who has lived in the capital for nearly a decade to stand in the Highlands at next year’s Scottish Parliament elections.
Eva Kestner was confirmed on Tuesday as the party’s candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, which is currently vacated by public health minister Maree Todd.
It marks the second time in a year that Scottish Labour has selected Ms Kestner as a candidate for the area.
She ran in last year’s general election for the equivalent Westminster constituency, but finished third behind the Liberal Democrats and Scottish National Party.
Ms Kestner has been chosen by Anas Sarwar’s party to fight the Holyrood target despite living nearly 650 miles away in London.
Congratulations Eva Kestner! Scottish Labour's candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross. #NewDirection pic.twitter.com/1lkByaghCa
— Scottish Labour (@ScottishLabour) April 29, 2025
A Queen Margaret University and Stirling University graduate, Ms Kestner launched her political career as a trainee at the European Parliament in Brussels before being employed as a researcher for Rhoda Grant, the Highlands & Islands MSP.
Ms Kestner, who is not from the Highlands, has lived in London since 2016 and has represented the Lee Green ward on Lewisham Council in South London since 2022.
Her term as a councillor ends in May 2026 and she will not be seeking re-election, Labour have confirmed.
She is also Head of Operations and Finance at the Political Studies Association, based in Camden Town, North London, a position she has held since 2023.
Her register of interest from May 2024 also states that her partner is employed by University College London in Bloomsbury.
Ms Todd said “Labour has form on shipping London-based candidates into Scotland, and it's no wonder”.
She added: "Labour is pulling out all the stops to support industry in England, but offering nothing for Scotland — particularly for my constituents in the Highlands.”
Labour have previously been accused of parachuting candidates who were based south of the Border.
Melanie Ward, chief executive of the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, who lived in London at the time, won the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath seat at last year’s general election.
Labour has form on shipping London-based candidates into Scotland
In 2024, Ms Kestner said her politics “traces its roots back to the heart” of the Highlands region.
Writing in the Cathness Buisiness Index, she said: “My journey has been defined by a relentless pursuit of collaboration and inclusivity, values that resonate deeply with the ethos of the Scottish Labour Party. Driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of politics, I am unwavering in my dedication to championing the voices of our communities. “
A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “The SNP has failed the Highlands and Islands for too long, but in 2026 we can choose a change in direction with Scottish Labour. All Scottish Labour candidates are democratically selected by local members and this candidate will be a fantastic champion for the community where she is standing.”
The Standard has approached Ms Kestner for comment.
