Edinburgh's Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for an upcoming council by-election.
Former NHS nurse Fiona Bennett will stand for the party in Corstorphine/Murrayfield where voters will go to the polls on March 9.
It comes after former SNP councillor Frank Ross stepped down from his role suddenly last month, following a decision by his group to abstain on a vote to compensate struggling businesses in his ward impacted by major roadworks.
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After gaining half of all first preference votes in the area at last year's local elections, winning two seats, the Lib Dems are in pole position to take the third.
Ms Bennett's career in the health service saw her specialise in mental health care, while she has also been a volunteer campaigner for refugees.
She lives in Edinburgh with her family and currently works as a senior caseworker for the party's North East Fife MP, Wendy Chamberlain.
Following her selection, she said: “I am delighted to have been chosen to stand in this by-election.
“The Liberal Democrats have such a strong track record of local service in Corstorphine and Murrayfield. The huge increase in our vote during last year’s election shows that people appreciate the year-round hard work and communication which only the Liberal Democrats provide locally.
“Whether it’s fixing our broken roads and pavements, action on air pollution, measures to tackle flooding, or supporting local traders, there’s so much to do. I’m looking forward to the campaign ahead and being out and about listening to local residents."
Edinburgh Council's Lib Dem leader, Kevin Lang, said: "Fiona is a first class candidate and I know she is going to be a first class councillor for Corstorphine and Murrayfield.
"We had tremendous success in the council elections last year and this by-election offers another opportunity for the Lib Dems to strengthen our council group even more."
Lib Dem MP for Edinburgh West, which includes Corstorphine and Murrayfield, said the by-election would be "a straight two horse race between the Liberal Democrats and the SNP".
She added: "People have an important chance to send a message to the SNP which is slashing the funding of core local services at a time when our roads are a mess and our schools desperately need investment. By voting for Fiona and the Liberal Democrats, people in Corstorphine and Murrayfield can use this election to demand better.”
Labour have confirmed their candidate for the by-election will be Richard Parker, who stood in the ward last year and gained 7.8% of first preference votes.
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