North Ayrshire Labour has selected Mary Hume as their candidate for the upcoming Kilwinning by-election scheduled for 9th May. Before retiring in 2022, Hume dedicated 22 years to teaching in North Ayrshire, including significant roles as Deputy Headteacher at St Luke's primary school in Kilwinning and as Headteacher at S Mary's Primary in Largs.
In addition to her educational career, Hume was actively involved in trade union leadership, serving as the branch secretary for the Association of Headteachers and Deputes in Scotland (AHDS), a body that represents senior teachers across Scotland.
Hume, who is married to Joe Hume, a former PE teacher, and a mother to two adult children—a son who has pursued a career in teaching and a daughter who works in finance—has expressed her commitment to advocating for Kilwinning, especially in light of the SNP-led North Ayrshire Council's decision to omit the town from the council’s capital investment programme. She has pledged to fight against what she perceives as SNP's detrimental cuts to children’s education.
In a statement, Mary Hume said, “I am delighted to be selected as the Labour candidate and look forward to campaigning for a fair deal for Kilwinning alongside Donald Reid and Joe Cullinane.
"It is shocking that the SNP Council has locked Kilwinning out of the Council’s capital programme. Kilwinning is North Ayrshire’s second largest town and to have no investment planned from now until 2031 is unacceptable. If I am honoured enough to be elected by the people of Kilwinning, it will be on a clear mandate to secure much needed investment for the town.
"As a former Headteacher, I will also provide a strong voice for parents and young people. A good education is the greatest tool available in tackling long-term inequality, economic opportunity, and poverty but after 17 years in power, the SNP have failed on it. With reducing teacher numbers, cuts already approved to school libraries and a planned reduction in Early Years, I will be a Councillor who stands up for education, opposes cuts and demands investment in our children.”
Joe Cullinane, leader of the Labour Group, commented on Hume’s candidacy, saying: "Mary brings a wealth of experience to our team as a former Headteacher. She is a first-class candidate and will be an excellent Councillor for Kilwinning. Donald Reid and I are looking forward to campaigning with Mary over the next few weeks and having another voice on the council demanding the investment Kilwinning deserves."