New leader Nicola Sturgeon and former leader Alex Salmond wave to supporters at the Scottish National Party conference in Perth, Scotland, November 14, 2014.[Photo/Agencies] |
LONDON - Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond said Sunday he will compete for a seat in the British Parliament in the general elections next year.
Salmond, also former leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) , announced his candidacy for his party's nomination in Gordon constituency at a meeting in Ellon, Scotland.
He said he "will seek to have a role in negotiating the progress for Scotland which would arise from a powerful group of SNP MPs (Members of Parliament) and our allies".
After the defeat of the party's campaign for Scottish independence in September, Salmond stepped down as SNP leader and first minister, handing over the positions to his former deputy Nicola Sturgeon last month.
He added that after the referendum "the people of Scotland have refused to give up on the hope of a better Scotland."
"For those who voted Yes, the referendum offered the possibility of real change. For many who voted No, they insist on the vow being properly redeemed. Therefore it is incumbent on all of us to step up to the plate, to match the spirit being shown by the people," he explained.
Noting that he had no ambition to lead the SNP Group at British Parliament, he said he would be "perfectly content as a constituency member of parliament" to seek to have a role in "negotiating the devolution progress for Scotland."
Currently a member of the Scottish Parliament, he promised to donate one of his salaries to a charity supporting local youth causes if elected for a year with a duel membership in the British and Scottish Parliaments.