Michael Marra chosen as Labour candidate for Dundee West seat

Michael Marra has been confirmed as Labour’s candidate for Dundee West after Jim McGovern withdrew on health grounds.

The campaigner and former special advisor was one of four local candidates given half hour interviews by a special selection panel on Monday morning and early afternoon.

He will now take on the SNP’s Chris Law, who is seen by many as the favourite to win the seat for the Nationalists despite having a 7,000 majority to overturn.

Nomination papers must be in place for all candidates by Thursday, hence the fast moves by Labour to replace Mr McGovern, who revealed his decision to stand down last Friday.

Local councillor Richard McCready, prominent trades union activist George McIrvine, and Alan Cowan a former researcher for Marlyn Glen when she was an MSP were also considered by the four person panel.

Brother of Dundee-based MSP and shadow health secretary Jenny Marra, Mr Marra is also the nephew of his namesake, the “Bard of Dundee”.

For the full story, plus reaction and an interview with Mr Marra, see Tuesday’s Courier.