THE SNP have selected their candidate to challenge the LibDems in Fife North East at the Holyrood 2026 election.
Stefan Hoggan, representative for the Cupar ward on Fife Council, said that the LibDems “had their chance” in Fife as he is set to battle for votes against incumbent Willie Rennie.
The former LibDem leader has held the constituency seat since 2016, and was previously a regional MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife between 2011 and 2016.
Rennie won the 2021 election with a majority of 7448, with the SNP in second place.
While 38 MSPs have announced they are standing down at the next election, Rennie has confirmed he will be contesting Fife North East for the LibDems.
Hoggan, a former professional para athlete, said that Scotland’s future is on the line as “one of the most important elections in Scotland’s history”.
He previously contested the General Election in 2024 for the North East Fife seat, losing to the LibDem's Wendy Chamberlain.
“The SNP has delivered real, tangible benefits for people across Scotland — from free prescriptions and the abolition of tuition fees, to record investment in renewable energy and the Scottish Child Payment, which has already lifted tens of thousands of children out of poverty,” he said.
“But too often, that progress is blocked by Westminster governments Scotland did not vote for.
"Here in Fife North East, we see the impact every day — from farmers and fishers hit by Brexit, to tourism and hospitality businesses still struggling to recover, to families paying the price of Westminster’s economic mismanagement.”
Hoggan also criticised the record of the Liberal Democrats locally, adding: “Willie Rennie and the Liberal Democrats have had their chance in Fife North East. “It’s time for a new voice — one that will bring fresh ideas, honesty, and strength to represent our communities.
“In the months ahead, he will be meeting voters across towns, villages, and rural communities, listening to local concerns and making the case for a fairer, greener, and more prosperous Scotland.
“The choice is clear: a vote for the SNP is a vote for independence, and for a future where decisions are made in Scotland, for Scotland.”
He pledged to campaign for independence, which Hoggan said offers communities in Fife North East a stronger future.
Hoggan argued that joining the EU would support farming, fishing, and exports, and that independence would protect the NHS with the best pay for health workers in the UK, as well as investment in renewable energy and a just transition.
He added: “Fife North East has enormous potential — from world-class farming and fishing, to St Andrews University, to thriving local businesses.
“Westminster continues to squander these opportunities. Independence offers a better alternative.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish LibDems said: “Stefan is right that we need change but it’s change from the SNP that is required. Even strong supporters of independence say they have had enough of the SNP.
“The Liberal Democrat team have a strong record of action and service for local people. We stay in touch all year round and speak up loudly in parliament.
“The SNP vote has been on the slide but there is no doubt that it will be a close contest between the Liberal Democrats and the SNP.”
