The SNP have kept a firm grip on Angus since it was redrawn as a single Westminster seat in 1997.
Mike Weir has been the area’s MP since 2001, taking over the reigns from Andrew Welsh.
At the last general election in 2010, Mr Weir picked up 39% of the vote (15,020) compared to Conservative candidate Alberto Costa’s 30.9% (11,738), and third-place Labour candidate Kevin Hutchens’ 17.2%
(6,535).
This continued a SNP-Con-Lab podium trend stretching back three elections.
The Angus turnout was around 60% for the 21st Century’s three general elections, and pundits predict a similar attendance in the polling booths would result in a similar result this time out.
But in a Scotland energised by referendum activity that engaged young and old alike, there may be more previously undecided votes for an ascendant SNP, at the expense of the “Westminster parties”.The candidates* David Mumford (Greens) David, 68, is a minister with the Scottish Episcopal Church and Rector of Brechin and Tarfside. He was also coordinator the International Fellowship of Reconciliation from 2002-2007, promoting faith-based non-violence. He is a member of the City of Brechin and District Community Council and was convener of the group that achieved Fairtrade status for Brechin. His priorities include a sustainable environment and non-violence.
* Mike Weir (SNP) A solicitor by profession, Mike was born and raised in Arbroath. First elected to Westminster for Angus in 2001, he was re-elected in 2005 and 2010 with increased majorities. Mike, 58, has served on the Scottish Affairs, Trade and Industry and Energy and Climate Change Select Committees and was the SNP’s Westminster spokesperson on Energy and Climate Change and Business, Innovation and Skills.
* Sanjay Samani (Lib Dem) Sanjay stood in 2010, demonstrating a long-term commitment to Angus. For many years he has campaigned on local Angus issues such as legal highs, Laurencekirk junction and flood prevention. He says he has campaigned against the SNP slashing Angus services, such as the closure of sheriff courts, police counters and cuts to college places, music teaching and carers.
* Gerard McMahon (Labour) Born in Bellshill, Glasgow in 1986, Gerard was educated at Glasgow University and works as a political assistant. He has led the party’s largest ground campaign in Angus. Gerard pledges an £8 minimum wage, a youths jobs guarantee from a tax on bankers’ bonuses for young people who are unemployed.
* Derek Wann (Conservative) Representing the Conservative party, Derek Wann is a local businessman who says he is looking to get into politics to ensure the voice of Angus is heard. He has stayed in Angus
for more than 18 years and if elected will work on encouraging business growth and reducing unemployment.
* Calum Walker (Ukip) Born and raised in Dundee, Calum attended the High School of Dundee and Abertay University and is a student at Dundee University. He has decided to stand as an MP because he thinks that the livelihoods of ordinary people have been put at risk by short-sighted bureaucrats.