TASMINA Ahmed-Sheikh, the current MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, has been selected by the SNP to stand for re-election in the upcoming General Election.

The local MP won the seat with a majority of 10,168 in 2015.

Speaking after her candidacy was confirmed at the weekend, Ms Ahmed-Sheikh said: “Being the local MP for the people of Ochil and South Perthshire has been the greatest privilege of my life, so I'm delighted to have been chosen by the SNP to seek re-election in Ochil and South Perthshire at the General Election.

“Over the past two years I’ve worked hard both here and in London to keep my promise to be a strong voice for our communities at Westminster. I’ve been proud to lead campaigns to protect my disabled constituents from cuts to their social security benefits, and to stand up for the pensions of the WASPI women who have been so unfairly treated by this Tory government.

“I’ve also strived to ensure that working families whose tax credits were unfairly stopped as part of the Concentrix crisis were quickly repaid, and led the national campaign to force the government to change how this system works in future. I’ve recently stood up for the self-employed when the Chancellor planned to break his promise on increasing National Insurance contributions, and last year I introduced a Private Members Bill in order to ensure that people facing benefits sanctions are not left destitute and hungry by an uncaring system.

“Since my election I’ve also raised money for local anti-poverty charities, volunteered at local events and have supported local businesses at every opportunity.

“I’ve always worked as hard as I can to stand up for the interests of everyone who lives here. That’s why I’m proud to have helped over a thousand constituents directly in the past two years. I’ve dealt with personal issues as varied as correcting failures in the pensions and benefits system, to seeking support for local businesses. It’s been a privilege to be able to help.

“At the same time, over the past year I’ve spoken 231 times in Parliament, and asked 80 written parliamentary questions. In contrast, my predecessor spoke 26 times and tabled only 26 written questions during his last full year in parliament.

“Over the next six weeks I’ll be campaigning with the same determination and commitment I’ve shown as a local MP to secure the support of voters here again when they cast their ballots on June 8."