Elected for the first time back in May 1999 was a 35-year-old former council worker, who admits that she initially put herself forward “as something to tell the grandchildren.”
Whilst Labour swept to power nationally earlier this month, 25 years ago the party also had reason to celebrate - after winning the first Scottish Parliament election.
Reflecting on her 25 years in office, Jackie told the Lennox: “I joined Labour in 1982 when I was 18 as a response to Margaret Thatcher. I was never interested in being at Westminster or standing at the council; but because of the democratic deficit that existed in Scotland I had campaigned for a long time for a Scottish Parliament.“I put my name forward and thought it would be something to tell the grandchildren about - not expecting to get any further.
She explained: “Being an MSP is a huge responsibility, you feel such a responsibility towards the people who elected you - and even those who didn’t vote for you. You are the first representative for Dumbarton in the Scottish Parliament, and I was the first women politician to be elected at parliamentary level in Dumbarton ever. The emotion is huge. As is the sense of responsibility.”
“He was great with people; he was very appreciative of people’s experiences and wanted to learn from them.“Donald and were both wonderful to learn from. They had such an easy manner, they were so approachable and I learnt from them in spades. I’ve tried to honour Donald’s memory since.”
Conservative Party Labour Party Scottish National Party Jackie Baillie Margaret Thatcher Independence Referendum General Election Dumbarton West Dunbartonshire West Dunbartonshire Council West Dunbartonshire Lifestyle
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Jackie Baillie agrees with Wes Streeting's NHS privatisation plansSCOTTISH Labour’s deputy leader has suggested the Scottish Government should follow Wes Streeting’s plans for heavier involvement of the private…
Read more »
Dumbarton football stalwart awarded King's birthday honourJohn Rodgers has spent 58 years volunteering with St Patrick’s FPs and the Scottish Amateur FA, with the 79-year-old becoming one of the best known faces in the local game.
Read more »
Fire breaks out at historic Dumbuck House Hotel in DumbartonThe formerly listed venue had been derelict since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Read more »
Firefighters fight Dumbarton blaze at former Dumbuck House HotelFirefighters are currently dealing with a blaze within a derelict building in Dumbarton.
Read more »
Firefighters fight Dumbarton blaze at former Dumbuck House HotelFirefighters are currently dealing with a blaze within a derelict building in Dumbarton.
Read more »
Major fire leaves historic Dumbuck House Hotel in Dumbarton devastatedThe historic Dumbuck House Hotel in Dumbarton has been left devastated following an overnight fire. Emergency services are at the scene as Glasgow Road remains closed to traffic.
Read more »