Big Brother winner seeks electors' vote

Published on Saturday 4 October 2008 01:22

A FORMER Big Brother winner is to seek election to the City of Edinburgh Council, The Scotsman has learned.

John Loughton, 21, confirmed last night he will stand as an independent candidate in a by-election next month.

The political activist, who won Big Brother Celebrity Hijack earlier this year, was previously the chairman of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

He also joined the Constitutional Commission, chaired by Sir Kenneth Calman, which has been set up to look at whether the Holyrood should be granted more powers.

Mr Loughton, who grew up in Pilton in north Edinburgh, beat a circus performer, Emilia Arata, 18, to win the Channel 4 reality show in January.

The Forth ward by-election on 6 November is being held in the wake of the death last month of the long-standing Labour councillor Elizabeth Maginnis.

Mr Loughton said: "I've had approaches from a number of different parties in the past, but I'm not interested in being a shallow career politician."

"I am standing as an independent, community candidate for one simple reason – the people of Forth deserve better.

"My entire family and I have lived and grown up in this area. I will ensure party politics or private interests never overshadow those of ordinary people. With hard work and strong values, I believe I can offer a fresh voice."