Fraserburgh businessman Conrad Ritchie wants to take on Green Party leader Zack Polanski in the London by-election triggered by Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as an MP.
The former Score Group boss has put his name forward to be Reform UK’s candidate in Holborn and St Pancras, where Polanski has announced his intention to stand for the Greens.
Ritchie, who came within 400 votes of winning Banffshire and Buchan Coast at May’s Holyrood election, said he wants to challenge Polanski and would put North-east issues, particularly oil and gas, at the heart of the contest.
“I decided yesterday I would put my name in the hat, and try to be the Reform candidate,” he said.
“Does it mean I turn my back on the people of the north-east of Scotland? Absolutely not.”
Ritchie still needs to be formally selected by Reform, but said of the traditionally Labour-held seat: “It’s winnable, every seat’s winnable.”