Dundee East used to be a marginal seat, contested between Labour and the SNP.
That is no longer the case. Stewart Hosie has extended his majority twice – to a frankly ridiculous 19,162 in 2015 – since he sneaked past Iain Luke by just 383 votes to claim the seat in 2001.
Personal issues which made tabloid front pages last year will not impact on his chances of winning again, and the only question in terms of who is returned to the Commons is around the size of the former Nationalist depute leader’s majority.
Labour, who have once again put forward ex-councillor and MSP Lesley Brennan, will be glancing over their shoulders rather than ahead towards Hosie.
The Conservatives came within 2,400 votes of them two years ago and were a mere 642 votes behind at last year’s Holyrood election.
The Westminster boundary extends beyond Broughty Ferry, where the Tories did extremely well in this month’s council elections, to include Monifieth and Carnoustie.
As such, Conservative candidate Eleanor Price may well be looking at second place and wondering if she can grab that to add further evidence of the “Tory surge” taking place across the country.
There was a time when the Tories coming ahead of Labour in a seat in Dundee would have been unthinkable.
Then again, there was a time when the same applied across Scotland and look at the country’s political map just now.
The candidates
Lesley Brennan (Labour)
“Labour’s investment plans will improve lives and the local economy, which are needed given Dundee’s high levels of economic inactivity.
“Our priorities are jobs, homes and fairness.
“Dundee’s share of the national plans equate to 2,500 new rented homes – with the same level of new jobs under the guarantee to a decent job.
“We would extend free school meals for all primary school children, saving working parents/carers £10 per week.
“By voting Labour on June 8, voters can send Nicola Sturgeon a message to drop her divisive plans for a second independence referendum and get back to the day job.
“A Labour government will deliver for the many, not the few.”
Stewart Hosie (SNP)
“Now more than ever it is vital that we send an SNP MP to Westminster.
“As the SNP economy spokesperson I know the kind of damage uncontrolled Tory rule will do with more austerity – deeper cuts and a hard Brexit.
“The only way to stop the Tories in their tracks is to elect a strong group of SNP MPs. We have seen so much revitalisation and regeneration in Dundee and beyond – and a hard Tory Brexit could threaten all of that. On June 8 vote SNP to get the strongest possible voice for Dundee East and for Scotland.”
Christopher McIntyre (Liberal Democrats)
“Originally from Gateshead, I’ve made Dundee my home having completed a degree in geography and environmental science from Dundee University.
“I’m 22, and passionate about providing a strong link between politics and the people. It’s your choice, your future.
“Being a passionate member of the scout movement, I understand the value of young people in society and have been privileged with leading a movement towards empowering the youth of today.
“I’ve also previously worked with the North East Ambulance Service training to be a paramedic.
“I strongly believe the Liberal Democrats have the best plan for the country’s future and hope for your support on June 8.”
Eleanor Price (Conservatives)
“If elected I would fight nationally and internationally for Dundee East.
“This is a great city, but needs more investment and attention. Last week’s education report confirmed that in yet another crucial public service the SNP are mismanaging Scotland, obsessed by another unwanted and frankly divisive independence referendum.
“As a Conservative, I believe in striving for a strong economy which will deliver both jobs and the funds needed to be spent on vital social services.”
