Lorenzo Martinico (he/him)

Having won us our first byelection in Edinburgh last month, I would like to continue to represent Portobello/Craigmillar for the next term. I am planning to be very present across the whole ward until May, and with the last campaign still fresh I will have good visibility for next year. I will use this time to learn how to become an effective councillor, and identify key issues for the manifesto and campaigning in the ward. There is appetite in the subbranch to start canvassing already, and as a new councillor I want to talk to as many constituents as I can.

Policy-wise, I am currently focusing on Active travel and pedestrianisation, Circular and Wellbeing economy, and Equalities; and supporting portfolio holders as needed to get a broad experience of committees. I am working with MSPs and councillors from other authorities on issues I campaigned on, water quality and AI. And I will work with the group to prepare training and induction for the new cohort.

Besides the council, I work for a number of local and national co-operatives. Previously I was part of the branch EDI working group and in the Holyrood core team, and I co-wrote 2 of the AI motions coming to conference this month.

I have included other wards I have connections with that I would be happy to represent, but I am 100% focused on running again here. To redress our current gender imbalance in the group, as the least experienced councillor, I commit to step down if needed to achieve a more representative slate.