KATHERINE
SANGSTER
FOR
EDINBURGH EASTERN, MUSSELBURGH AND TRANENT / EDINBURGH NORTH EASTERN AND LEITH
Who I am, and why I’m Running for Holyrood in 2026…
Policy
I’m the National Director of the Scottish Fabians, and Vice-Chair of the Scottish Policy Forum and the SEC.
I have years of experience developing policy in and outside the Labour Party.
more information coming soon as this website updates
Campaigns
I was Chris Murray’s Election Agent during the election campaign.
I’ve been an afforable childcare campaigner and a campaigner against cuts to local authortities.
Experience
I was Head of Office to Martin Whitfield as MP for East Lothian, and then worked for now Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray,
I work as Head of Office to Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.
Local
I’ve lived in these constituencies for the past twenty five years.
It’s where I work and where I’m raising my family.
I’ve been a local charity volunteer
I’m proud to be nominated by these Trade Unions
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UNISON
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GMB
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USDAW
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Community
What others say about me…
"I worked closely with Kath during the General Election when she was election agent in Chris Murray’s very successful campaign. Knowing the East and Musselburgh area well , she knew the right strategy to use, as well as ensuring the day to day work got done effectively. With Kath as candidate you will be choosing someone who isn’t just a campaigner but someone whose experience will get the best possible outcomes for constituents.”
Sheila Gilmore, Labour MP for Edinburgh East 2010 -2015
“Kath’s intellectual ability in policy development is matched by her proven ability to deliver electoral success, particularly evident in her leadership during recent victories in Edinburgh. She is driven by a genuine desire to make a tangible difference to her community, and I am certain that, if elected, she will play a pivotal role in shaping Scottish Labour’s impact in government.
Having worked closely with Kath in the past, I know firsthand her exceptional ability to hit the ground running. She played a vital role in supporting me when I set up my own office after winning the Rutherglen by-election, and I have no doubt she will bring the same commitment and expertise to the role, fighting for her constituents and for the Labour Party.”
Michael Shanks, Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West and Minister of State for Energy
"Katherine has worked tirelessly for a Labour government for years. She is impressive both locally in her commitment to campaigning on local issues and nationally working on policy as the director of the Scottish Fabians. Katherine would be a real asset to the Labour team in Edinburgh.”
James Dalgleish, Labour Councillor for Leith Walk Ward
“For more than a decade Katherine Sangster has been supporting women into politics particularly through the Fabian Women’s Network. She’s worked tirelessly both behind the scenes in Holyrood and campaigning for others.
As a result we’ve seen more women elected into local and national government. Her understanding of how those holding political office can transform the lives of constituents is powerful and effective.
Now it’s our turn to back Katherine as the right person to stand for the Edinburgh Eastern, Musselburgh and Tranent/Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith selection.
She’s used her networks to organise visits for women all over the UK to visit Holyrood. It’s time for our networks to shout out how brilliant she would be as a Labour politician.”
Christine Megson MBE, Founder & Co-ordinator Fabian Women’s Network Political Mentoring Programme
"As a local businessman, I know how important it is to have leaders who genuinely understand the needs of our community. I’m proud to support Katherine's campaign and have no doubt she’ll make a real difference once elected.”
Ferhan Ashiq, Local Business Leader
“Katherine will run a great campaign- I’ve seen it first hand when she was Chris Murray’s Election Agent. With great experience working in Ian Murray’s office and now leading Chris’ office, she has what it takes to motivate a team, deliver on local issues and be an excellent MSP”
Anne McCluskey, Former Chair of Edinburgh Northern and Leith CLP
"Kath has immense talent and is a fierce advocate for young people within the party and the country. Her record as a strong local and national campaigner makes her the perfect person to be on the frontline of the fight to take back Holyrood in 2026"
Peter Lally, Under - 18s Officer Scottish Young Labour and Local Party Activist
Let’s chat!
I’d love to connect with any party members who’d like a chat or to ask me a question.