SNP CONFIRM ANNE MCLAUGHLIN AS GLASGOW MSP.

SNP CONFIRM ANNE MCLAUGHLIN AS GLASGOW MSP.

TRIBUTES CONTINUE TO BASHIR AHMAD

The SNP today confirmed that Anne McLaughlin will take up the position of
MSP for Glasgow left vacant by the death of Bashir Ahmad.

Ms McLaughlin is the next candidate on the SNP regional list for Glasgow
and stood in Glasgow Springburn at the 2007 elections.

Anne McLaughlin (42) originally from Greenock and based in Dennistoun has
been an active member of the SNP for 20 years and is currently employed as
Parliamentary Researcher to Glasgow MSP Bob Doris. She was campaign
co-ordinator for the SNP at the Glasgow East by-election and recently
returned from working in Sri Lanka supporting economic regeneration
following the tsunami.

The Scottish Parliament today announced it will open a book of condolence
in the main hall of the Parliament tomorrow (Tuesday 10th Feb) and is
expected to pay tribute to Bashir Ahmad at the start of its business on
Wednesday. Ms McLaughlin is then expected to take the oath later in the
week if agreed by the Scottish Parliament's Business Bureau.

Anne Mclaughlin said;

“Bashir Ahmad was a great colleague and an excellent MSP.

“This is not the circumstances in which I would wish to enter Parliament
however it will be an honour to serve the people of Glasgow as their MSP
and one I hope I will fulfil with the same warmth and humanity that Bashir
brought to the job.

“Bashir was a constant encouragement to me and I along with many others
will miss him deeply.

“As someone who has lived and worked in Glasgow for most of my life I am
looking forward to working with and representing people across the city in
the best interests of Glasgow.”