THE SNP's candidate chosen to contest the new Dunfermline and Dollar constituency has confirmed he will no longer be standing for election.

Brian Goodall had been selected earlier this month for the position however this week told the Advertiser that he had withdrawn because of concerns over health and being able to do his duties as a Rosyth councillor.

“I was hugely honoured to receive the backing of local SNP members in the recent Westminster selection contest," he said.

"Serving my local community in the Rosyth Fife Council Ward area is something that I throw myself into with all my energy.

"However, in doing that, I have in the past put my own personal health under pressure, and it’s something that I need to continue to be wary of as I try to find the right balance in my work as a party activist and a local councillor.

"Despite my hope to be able to front up an energetic and enthusiastic campaign through to the general election, the first few weeks showed me that I was not going to be able to give the energy required without putting my own health at risk or reducing the time I spend working for the residents within my Council ward.

"The balance of continuing as a full-time councillor, while at the same time trying to put together a campaign through to an as yet unknown election date, is something that I recognised was not going to be achievable with me as the SNP’s candidate.

"After discussing this with local Party Office Bearers and with SNP HQ I confirmed my intention to stand down as Westminster Candidate and the internal Party process to select a new candidate for Dunfermline and Dollar is now underway."

Brian was recently nominated for a 'Councillor of the Year' award in recognition of his tireless efforts in ensuring Café Inc would continue to operate in South and West Fife to help support local families during the school holidays.

He was previously an SNP councillor in the Dunfermline South Ward for 10 years from 2007 and has been representing Rosyth since May 2022.