The local government elections are fast approaching and East Ayrshire Council have today announced the candidates standing in each ward.

On May 5, people will head to the polls to vote for who they would like to represent their ward.

In total, 18 candidates are standing for wards 7, 8 and 9, covering the 

Here is full list of the candidates for those wards, and the party they are standing for.

Ward 7- Ballochmyle

  • Linda Holland (Scottish Labour Party)
  • Claire Leitch (Scottish National Party (SNP))
  • William Lennox (Scottish National Party (SNP))
  • Stephen McCarron (Scottish Labour Party)
  • David Shaw (Independent)
  • Alyson Simmons (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)

Ward 8- Cumnock and New Cumnock

  • Billy Crawford (Scottish Labour Party)
  • June Kyle (Scottish Labour Party)
  • Jim McMahon (Scottish National Party (SNP))
  • Jacqui Todd (Scottish National Party (SNP))
  • Neill Watts (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
  • Fraser Wright (Scottish Liberal Democrats)

Ward 9- Doon Valley

  • John Bell (Independent)
  • Drew Filson (Independent)
  • Samantha Hainey (Scottish Conservative and Unionist)
  • Murray Hendrie (Independent)
  • Jennifer Hogg (Scottish National Party (SNP))
  • Elaine Stewart (Scottish Labour Party)

Applications to register must be made by April 18, 2021.

Further information can be found on East Ayrshire Council's election page here.

Polling places are open between 7am and 10pm, and your poll card should tell you the location of your polling place.

If not, you can call the Council Election Office on 01563 576555.