LABOUR'S Joanne Ross says she is "honoured and delighted" to have been chosen to contest the Ochil and South Perthshire seat next month.

At the party launch event, held on Saturday night at Sauchie Bowling Club, allowed the General Election candidate to formally congratulate those Labour councillors who will serve at Kilncraigs over the next five years.

She also paid tribute outgoing councillors Janet Cadenhead, Graham Watt and Bobby McGill for their "many years of service".

Speaking at the launch, organised by election agent Craig Miller, Ms Ross said: "I am honoured and delighted to have been chosen as the Labour Party representative for my constituency.

"My focus over the next four weeks is to speak to as many voters as possible. I want to talk to people about why I need their support to play my part in creating a fairer, more equal society for the many, not just for the privileged few."

She added: "Whilst the other parties battle it out over the constitution, I will be talking about fair pay, equality, social justice, the NHS, education, environment, security, the economy, and the other many issues that are directly impacting on constituents all over Ochil & South Perthshire.

"The election on June 8 gives voters an unexpected early opportunity to change the direction of travel away from ruthless, uncaring approach that we have seen from the current Westminster government to a Labour government whose agenda focuses on fairness, equality and social justice.

"Ordinary working people have been punished by cuts and prolonged austerity whilst those at the top, those who created many of the problems that led to the global financial crisis have been rewarded for bad, reckless, and irresponsible behaviour with tax cuts, greater freedom, and free rein to continue those dangerous practices which could bring our economy crashing down again."