It’s customary for MSPs standing down to introduce their party candidate who hopes to succeed them to the electorate. In my case the individual in question will be well known to a great many of my Cunninghame South constituents, particularly those in Kilwinning and Stevenston. Patricia Gibson who is bidding to be the MSP for Cunninghame South in 2026 previously served as the North Ayrshire MP and as I found out, on the doors when campaigning for her in 2024 most folk in the communities she served so diligently know of someone she assisted during that time.
During her tenure as an MP, she was well recognised as one of the most active SNP MPs, leading debates on topics such as Scotland’s sovereign rights as a nation, securing statutory bereavement leave for all parents who lose a child, including by stillbirth and the only MP to speak in every single WASPI debate in her nine years as an MP.
Patricia was an active, approachable, effective, independently minded and conscientious MP and will bring that same energy and attitude to the Scottish Parliament always working hard and always speaking up for the communities she represents.
An English teacher of some 25 years experience, she is currently Vice-Chair of North Ayrshire Women’s Aid.
This session of the parliamentary term is a busy one with important legislation to scrutinise, for me, it will finish at the beginning of April when the parliament dissolves and I will be working hard right up until I cease to be the MSP.
With Patricia’s experience and character, she will be fit and ready to begin working for you as soon as she is elected.
In May, I urge you all to vote for Patricia Gibson, SNP.
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 