The SNP have announced Julia Stachurska as the party’s candidate for the upcoming Murdostoun by-election.
Julia, the SNP Students National Convener, is hoping to take victory in the election on June 24 in the ward which she calls home.
And having been part of a number of elections over the past few months, Julia, who lives in Cambusnethan, is happy to back on the campaign trail.
She told Lanarkshire Live : “It’s a little bit surreal, I have been used to designing leaflets for other candidates, so it’s strange seeing my face on them.
“Over the past few months we have been campaigning for Holyrood, the Airdrie and Shotts by-election and now this by-election, so I don’t think I’ve had a day off in the past three months.
“I really enjoy being out and speaking to people about their issues.
“And if it rains there’s nothing a good umbrella can’t fix.”
Having developed a keen interest in politics from her high school days, Julia joined the party back in 2017.
In this by-election, she has pinpointed two key issues that she will be hoping to tackle if she is able to win the seat for her party.
“It all started for me at school when I got a lot of encouragement from my Modern Studies teacher,” said Julia.
“I went to one campaign meeting for Marion Fellows and it has just snowballed from there.
“In terms of the by-election, my big priority will be addressing the fly-tipping problems we have seen across Murdostoun.
“I know this causes a lot of upset and anger and it’s something we really need to get on top of.
“The other major issue is the rat problems which are prevalent in Newmains and Coltness. These are the two big issues that have to be tackled. However, there are so many good things happening in our community.
“A group like MADE4UinML2 do so much work in our area particularly during Covid and there are other organisations like that.”
The by-election will be held in the Murdostoun ward on June 24, after the death of Councillor Robert McKendrick.
One councillor will be elected for Electoral Ward 20. Voting will take place between 7am and 10pm.
To be able to participate in this by-election, eligible residents must be registered to vote by midnight on Tuesday, June 8.
Applications for new postal or postal proxy votes and amendments to, or cancellation of, existing postal or proxy votes must be with the Electoral Registration Office by 5pm on Wednesday, June 9.
Applications for new proxy votes must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, June 16.
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