Lib Dems select by-election candidates

The Edinburgh Liberal Democrats have selected two candidates for the respective Council by-elections in the Portobello / Craigmillar and Southside / Newington wards on the 3rd of September.

In Portobello / Craigmillar, local resident and homelessness charity CEO Liss Owen has been selected by members.

Commenting on the by-election, Liss said “The tide is turning in Portobello and across our ward.

Whether it's the beach cleans in Porty or the families and neighbours who make Bingham and Craigmillar such strong communities, people here deserve a councillor who shows up. As the CEO of a charity supporting young homeless people, I know how to get things done. I'll make sure every part of this ward is heard loud and clear at the council.”

In Southside / Newington, members selected Artie Khovanov, an AI researcher and cycling advocate who lives and works in the ward.

Artie said, “The Liberal Democrats are on the up across Edinburgh, and there’s so much to do across the Southside, from fixing our crumbling roads and dangerous junctions to finding creative ways to ease the housing crisis. Having spent years campaigning for safer streets and standing up for students, I’m ready to work with local Lib Dem councillor Pauline Flannery to listen to residents and fight for their priorities.” 

Both Liss and Artie would make amazing additions to the Liberal Democrat council group, which is now 14 strong after a win from 5th place in the Fountainbridge / Craiglockhart by-election last year.