Ex-SNP MP challenges David Torrance for Kirkcaldy MSP seat

Last week Mr Torrance announced his intention to return as candidate for the 2021 Holyrood election, but today Mr Mullin issued a statement saying he would also compete for the position.

Under SNP rules, anyone in the local branch can put their name forward to challenge for the candidacy, before a vote is held among members to choose their candidate.

Mr Mullin’s statement comes hot on the heels of the announcement last week by Mr Torrance, who has held the Kirkcaldy seat since 2011.

A two-year stint at Westminster came to an end in 2017 for Mr Mullin when he was defeated by Labour’s Lesley Laird in the Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath seat.

Meanwhile Mr Torrance has held the Kirkcaldy seat at Holyrood since 2011, having served as a Kirkcaldy councillor beforehand.

Today, as Mr Mullin announced he would compete against Mr Torrance for the candidacy.

Mr Mullin said in a statement today: "I am entering the contest to become Kirkcaldy’s SNP candidate at the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections.

It read: "I am entering the contest to become Kirkcaldy’s SNP candidate at the 2021 Scottish Parliament elections.

"We live in very different times, with huge challenges ahead.

"But we also face the opportunity of achieving Scottish Independence, so long as we marshall the most effective voices in its cause.

"I have a track record of helping develop and influence national policies, as well as serving local constituents. Both are needed at the current time.

"In the coming weeks I will set out in greater detail my prospectus for the future. This will include addressing the cause of Scottish Independence and the needs of a post pandemic economy and society.

"I have big plans too for further developing services for constituents and the creation of a ‘Team SNP’ across the constituency.

“There is much to be done.”

Mr Torrance said last week in a social media post that he wished to continue to serve as MSP.

“I am happy to announce my intention to seek nomination to be the SNP candidate for the Kirkcaldy constituency in the 2021 Holyrood election.

“It has been the greatest honour and privilege to represent my hometown and surrounding areas in the Scottish Parliament since 2011. Since then I have worked tirelessly, and with passion, to ensure the voices of our local communities are heard.

"I have worked closely with many of the amazing groups and organisations we have across the Kirkcaldy area, building relationships, trust and confidence.

“Alongside my colleagues I have also worked determinedly to protect the most vulnerable in our society from callous and cruel UK policies and while the list of SNP government achievements is long and wide ranging, there is still so much more to do.

“That is why I am putting my name forward to the SNP as a prospective parliamentary candidate – to stand up and continue the fight for a fairer and more prosperous country for every single person living in the Kirkcaldy constituency, and across Scotland.”

The candidacy will be decided at a later date by local SNP branch members.