Election: ‘we want the seat back’ – Claire Baker on Labour’s Kirkcaldy target
Claire Baker is approaching her 20th year at Holyrood as a list MSP, serving in the parliament which inspired her to enter politics.
She has stood for Labour in the last two Scottish elections, finishing second to the SNP’s David Torrance in each occasion.
Her place near the top of Labour’s regional list secured her seat at Holyrood, but she wants to win the constituency which is also her home.
“We want the seat back,” she said.
If she wins on May 7, then it will be Labour’s first Lang Toun Holyrood victory since Mariilyn Livingstone’s 2007 triumph. In 2011, the seat was not only swept away in a SNP tsunami, but Mr Torrance’s victory also secured an unprecedented Holyrood majority for the party.
“People are reflecting on how long the SNP have been in power and looking for change.” said Claire. “We have to change the SNP and its record on hospital waiting times, dental services, child poverty, the state of our High Street - there are so many issues on which they have not delivered.”
Labour’s manifesto pledges include several measures to tackle the cost of living crisis - including no income tax increases in next five years, and raising Scottish Child Payment to £40 per week for children under the age of one to help low-income families.
On health, it plans to end the 8:00am rush for a GP appointment, and tackle delayed discharge - bed blocking - with 300 step-down beds in care homes and 1000 more care at home packages. It also wants a five-year commitment from dental students who graduate here in return for paying their fees.
It pledges 125,000 new homes to tackle the housing crisis, and will appoint 1500 more classroom assistants.
Local issues, of course, still dominate many discussions on the doorstep, with Kirkcaldy High Street and the £20million investment among key topics.
“People feel the investment secured by Melanie Ward MP has to be the start of what we can do,” she said. “can do. “The Scottish Government can also help to make it easier to invest, and be based in,the High Street.
“We also need to make the planning system easier and quicker when you want to change from retail to a restaurant or leisure. It needs to be more flexible.” The state of our town centre joins a detailed list of issues which also embrace the cost of living, NHS waiting times, anti-social behaviour and the problems posed by youths on quad bikes, and the on-going bid to see Fife get a better train service.
That’s why Claire wants to win the seat and replace the SNP. She also wants to see a Labour government installed to let her get on with the job.
“We know what the polls are saying, but it doesn’t feel like that on the ground, she said. “Our teams are out every day and speaking to hundreds of voters, and a lot are still undecided. There is a lot to play for in the next two weeks.
“We have had success at the General Election with Melanie winning and Richard Baker in Glenrothes, and look at the difference with the major investment here and in Methil. The SNP have not given that level of investment to these areas.”
The Labour candidate is convinced Kirkcaldy has a bright future, with the right investment and leadership.
“Our town could be better served,” she said. “There are many local organisations working together, and making a real difference to bring improvements - the Wemyss Ware Cat Trail is hugely impressive, It is one part of the solution. It taps into our culture and tourism market which is there to be developed.
“We need to attract visitors to give the High Street and town centre momentum. We need events such as the cat trail, and the new Artisan Market. These are good, positive events that can help make that change.
“We have a growing population - people want to live here. Kirkcaldy is well placed geographically, it has a great coastline and is a beautiful place to stay
"Give people more to do and they will spend locally, so we need that investment in its infrastructure. If you are in Government, you can really make things happen.”
A switch from the opposition benches would begin a new chapter for Claire who has served in a number of roles including Shadow Minister for education, been Labour’s front bench with a rural affairs remit, and acted as its spokesperson for culture and tourism.
She said: “My dad was involved in trade unions and politics. I grew up knowing politics makes a difference to people’s lives. When the Scottish Parliament was formed that was what got me interested - it dealt with the day to day issues that affect people.” Going into the final ten days of campaigning means one final push.
“We are out with a big team, and we are getting good support from people on the doors. There is disinformation out there - social media plays a big part in that - so it is more important than ever to speak to people.”