SCOTTISH LABOUR has selected nine candidates to contest the local authority election in Clackmannanshire this May.

Current councillors Derek Stewart, Graham Watt and Bobby McGill, George Matchett, Kenny Earle and Kathleen Martin are all seeking re-election, with Jim Stalker and Janet Cadenhead stepping down.

There are also three others standing for Labour this year with Craig Miller, Christine Sinclair and Dave Clark all announcing their candidacy following an internal selection process.

The voting system is governed by the single transferable vote, meaning Clacks residents will list the candidates they want elected in order of their preference. It has been argued that the focus in local government elections is on the candidates, rather than the political party in national elections.

Scottish Labour is hoping to build on their successes of 2012 by increasing the number of councillors elected.

Mr Miller, Clackmannanshire West candidate and campaign co-ordinator for the Scottish Labour team, said: "Local authority elections give voters the opportunity to look closely at the sort of representation they want.

"What goes on in council chambers are important to local democracy, but constituents expect so much more from their elected members than debating around a table; they expect hardworking and dedicated champions for their communities, fighting for local causes and standing up for local issues.

"All our Candidates live in Clackmannanshire and have the best interests of this local authority at the forefront of their minds; they will be proactive in engaging with communities and individuals to achieve the best for every area in this wonderful Wee County."

Christine Sinclair, who was originally from the Highlands, but schooled in central belt, added: "I started leafletting for the Labour Party at the age of 16; however, it was the image of Margaret Thatcher in 1979 that had me running to sign up.

"I was active in the GMB union and stood in solidarity with the miners and their families during the Miners' Strike.

"Having been successfully elected to Inverness District Council 1988, and as the former office manager for Gordon Banks before leaving to go travelling in India, I understand the huge responsibilities that come with elected life and I look forward to working tirelessly, if elected, to stand up for residents across my ward."

Dave Clark who is a trained social worker and worked in the former Central Region Council as a senior practitioner and mental health officer is not new to the world of politics having served for eight years as the leader of Clackmannanshire District Council.

He said: "As the Irish playwright once said: 'Perhaps my best years are gone…but I wouldn't want them back. Not with the fire in me now. No, I wouldn't want them back'. That is where I stand."

Ward 1 – Clackmannanshire West: George Matchett and Craig Miller

Ward 2 – Clackmannanshire North: Dave Clark and Robert McGill

Ward 3 – Clackmannanshire Central: Derek Stewart and Graham Watt

Ward 4 – Clackmannanshire South: Kenneth Earle and Christine Sinclair

Ward 5 – Clackmannanshire East: Kathleen Martin