An Angus woman is at the centre of a political tug of love as voters in Arbroath get set to go to the polls.
Julie Smith is the election agent for the Conservative candidate in the Arbroath East and Lunan by-election – but her husband is also standing as a candidate for the council seat.
Tory Derek Wann and Independent candidate Kevin Smith have both set their sights on wooing Julie for her vote.
Julie, who has worked for the Angus Conservative and Unionist Association for the past 12 years, is remaining coy about who will find favour and win her vote on November 28.
She made the central office of the Conservative party aware of the unusual situation and had a two word reply when it was suggested there could be a conflict of interest – “no way”.
She said: “Kevin thinks it’s funny – he now introduces me as Derek’s agent instead of as his wife.
“I was Derek’s election agent at the Westminster elections last year and I asked Kevin if he was okay with me taking the role again. He was fine with it.
“I also passed it by the exec. A guy from central office asked if there would be a conflict of interest but I told him no way.
“I’m committed in my role as Derek’s election agent. Kevin is making his own arrangements.
“Either Kevin or Derek will get my first preference vote and one will get my second vote.
“They are both excellent candidates and I’d like to see either of them elected.”
Kevin, who is a past chairman of Arbroath Community Council, said it was up to his wife how she chose to vote and wished her and Derek luck for the election.
He said: “Just because someone’s wife works in Tesco it does not mean you can’t shop in Morrisons.
“For many years now I have distanced myself from the Conservative party and others, due to their total disregard of listening to their members and local issues and generally everyone in Scotland. That is why they have no voters or support.
“The only people who has a clue in their party is Julie and Derek. The rest of them do not have a clue what’s happening on their doorstep.
“Of course I’m hoping to win everyone’s vote and how my wife votes is up her.”
Six people are standing for the by-election, which is being held as a result of Bob Spink stepping down due to ill health.
The other candidates are Brenda Durno (Scottish National Party), Richard Stanley Moore (Scottish Liberal Democrats), John Ruddy (Scottish Labour Party) and Lois Elizabeth Speed (Independent).
Derek added: “I know Julie is more than capable of dealing with the situation. It will certainly have no effect on her ability to act as my agent.
“At the end of the day what matters is that the residents have an effective councillor who is willing to stand up and represent them at local level and that is what I will offer.”
