Moray councillor Jeremie Fernandes launches Holyrood election bid
A Moray councillor has announced his plan to stand in the Scottish Parliament election - representing a seat across the Highland border.
Councillor Jérémie Fernandes (Elgin City North, SNP) said he had been nominated as a selection candidate by the Inverness and Nairn branch of the SNP for the 2026 Holyrood poll.
Fergus Ewing, the incumbent MSP, has confirmed that he will not stand for the SNP next year but has not ruled out an independent run.
With no SNP candidate in place, Cllr Fernandes said, the 2024 was a “crucial moment for our party in Inverness and Nairn”.
“Politics here is shifting, and we can’t take anything for granted,” he added.
“We need to show that the SNP is rooted in and working for the Highlands, delivering real results, standing up for our communities, and offering a clear alternative to the Westminster cuts that have hurt so many families in our region.
“I believe I can make a real difference.”
The Moray councillor was behind a successful resolution at the 2023 SNP conference, asking his party colleages to restate their backing for dualling the A96 in full.
He also argued he had “pushed hard for meaningful change” as a councillor, including on council tax for second homes, tightening short-term let rules and applying the visitor levy to campervans.
“These aren’t just talking points, they’re priorities I’ve fought for because I care deeply about the Highlands,” he added.
Elected to his Elgin City North seat at the 2022 local election, Cllr Fernandes argued he had a history of successful election races across four Holyrood constituencies “from Nairn to Buckie, from Lossiemouth to Aviemore”.
Cllr Fernandes also said that independence was vital to Scotland’s future.
“Only with the full powers of an independent Scotland can we build a fairer, greener, more prosperous future, and protect the Highlands for generations to come,” he said.
“We’ve achieved a lot together, but there’s more to do.
“From securing better infrastructure to building a stronger local economy, we need to keep moving forward.
“I’m ready for the challenge.”
