General Election 2024: Hustings to hear from candidates in Ayr, Carrick & Cumnock

Stuart Wilson

24 June 2024 at 0:08 pm·1-min read

General Election hopefuls in the Ayr, Carrick & Cumnock seat will be put through their paces at the only major hustings prior to the vote tomorrow night.

Fort, Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council are staging the event at Ayr's Queen Margaret Academy from 7pm - with the stage open to all seven candidates. It will come just nine days ahead of voters going to the polls as the SNP's Allan Dorans bids to retain the seat he won with a majority of 2,329 back in 2019.

Dorans once again faces the challenge of Conversative candidate - and South Ayrshire Council leader - Martin Dowey, who will reoppose in a re-run of their battle of five years ago. Labour's Elaine Stewart will aim to land a significant blow for Sir Keir Starmer north of the border by winning the seat for her party for the first time since 2010.

Paul Kennedy (Lib Dems), Andrew Russell (Reform UK), Korin Vallance (Scottish Greens) and Corri Wilson (Alba) will also compete for vital votes on the ballot paper next week.

Denise Sommerville said: "As Chairwoman of the Fort Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of our upcoming hustings event. This gathering offers a vital opportunity for our community to engage directly with local candidates, ask pertinent questions, and gain a deeper understanding of their visions and policies.

"Active participation in this event ensures that our voices are heard and that our collective concerns are addressed. I encourage all residents to attend and take part in shaping the future of our community."

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