Anti-windfarm campaigner to stand as independent in Holyrood election
Neil Riddell
Anti-Viking Energy campaigner Billy Fox has announced he is standing as an independent candidate in this May’s Holyrood elections.
Mr Fox confirmed today that he was standing down as Sustainable Shetland chairman to run, joining a field including candidates from the four main political parties.
In a short statement, he said his campaign would be entirely self-funded and stressed he would not be focusing solely on the proposed 127-turbine windfarm.
“My thoughts on various issues have been aired in the local media and with my involvement in Sustainable Shetland my opposition to the Viking Energy windfarm is well known,” he said. “However mine will not be a single-issue campaign nor is it a gimmick to create some form of referendum at the ballot box on Viking Energy.”
He continued: “Having lived in Shetland all my life and always having a tendency to wear my heart on my sleeve, I have very real concerns about all issues which affect Shetland and the efforts we must make to maintain the outstanding quality of life in these islands. Number one is looking after our environment.
“Over the forthcoming weeks I welcome the opportunity to offer my views in relation to the unique needs of Shetland given our geographical position and island requirements.”
The SNP confirmed this week that Highland councillor Jean Urquhart will be its candidate, while the Tories have plumped for investment manager Sandy Cross. Incumbent Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott and Jamie Kerr, a Glasgow-based human rights lawyer, are the other confirmed candidates.
Elections take place on Thursday 5th May and campaigning officially started after the Scottish Parliament dissolved this week. The deadline for announcing candidacies is Tuesday.
ian Tinkler
At last, a true Shetlander with the courage to represent normal people. A man of conviction who is not afraid to express a view, and fight for what he believes. That will make a great change from our liberal sycophant, with his endless fence sitting.
Good luck Billy Fox.
Ian
Tinkler
Iain Adam
Good Luck Billy
Sandy McMillan
Billy is exactly what Shetland needs, Shetland has to get away from the liberal hold, and there is no one better than Billy Fox to help voice the needs of the Shetland populations, I wish Billy all the best in the forthcoming Scottish Elections, you will certainly have our vote.
Allan Pring
The best news for Shetland that I have heard in years. Billy Fox is a true believer in Democracy, does not object to people expressing their views in the pages of the Shetland Times and I have no doubt that he has the best interests of Shetland and those fortunate to live in these islands, in his heart. He is not a calculating politician blowing in the wind.