Aberdeen South and Kincardine MSP Audrey Nicoll announced this month she will be standing down at the next election, just months after the Westminster leader said he would be seeking the candidacy in her seat – a decision he later walked back after a backlash from inside and outside the party.
Speaking to the National, former police officer Ms Nicoll said: “By the time you reach my age, and especially having worked in a male-dominated work environment for 31 years, I’m not in the game of being pressurised by men into doing something that isn’t right for me,” she said.
“I think what I want to see and what the party will want to see is the best possible candidates coming forward to fight the election next year and that, as a team, we win the election and form the next Scottish government.”.
Asked about the post, Mr Gray said he understands why she feels that way, adding: “Clearly it doesn’t reflect my experience, but given what we have heard from Emma and from others, then it’s something that we must always continue to make sure we’re challenging ourselves on.
The Scottish Sun this week reported the list had been created at the behest of the SNP’s Westminster leader to bolster the party’s ranks at Holyrood by installing those who were ousted in last year’s general election.
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