Highland Council leader plans to stand as MP
The leader of Highland Council has announced his intention to stand for election as an SNP candidate in the Inverness seat held by Danny Alexander.
Drew Hendry put his name forward to the party for selection as a candidate after being nominated by SNP members.
Mr Alexander, the Liberal Democrat chief secretary to the Treasury, has been MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey since 2005.
Alex Salmond last week dismissed speculation he may stand in the seat.
Mr Hendry, an SNP councillor, said: "I understand that my proven track record for getting things done, for securing cross party support, and helping to bring economic benefits to the Highlands has helped to attract my nomination."