Personal Statement: 

I am Alastair (Ali) Turner, and I am standing for the Executive Committee with a truly positive and enthusiastic approach to work, life and the party. As a fresh face to the party in Scotland, I am ready to bring strategic value and support to drive our shared success.
 Most recently, I have spent nearly two years immersed in front-line politics, working directly with Wendy Chamberlain MP, the Scottish Deputy Leader, Chief Whip, and Chair of the 2026 Scottish Election Committee. This experience was a deliberate strategic shift to gain crucial, hands-on insight into policy implementation, constituent needs, and political dynamics at the sharp end.
My professional background is rooted in strategic management, business development, and detailed financial oversight across the private, public, and third sectors. I combine corporate professionalism with a calm, solution-focused temperament and good communications skills. I have a breadth of experience in private finance, tourism, golf events, agriculture, the NHS.
 I offer my wide ranging strategic expertise and resilient approach to the Executive Committee to enhance the Party’s governance and capacity. I am committed to fostering an environment built on decency, trust, and respect within our political discourse, ensuring we are prepared to expand our membership and deliver the Fair Deal our country deserves. I am organised, loyal, and ready to serve. I hope I can count on your support.
 

What skills/experience will you bring to the role?

I offer the Executive Committee a blend of recent political immersion and extensive operational, strategic, and financial leadership.
 Business, Organisational, Strategic and Financial
My background as a self-employed consultant and Business Development Manager demonstrates years of experience in organisational finance, strategic development, and project management across the private, public, and third sectors. I have successfully managed budgets, reviewed accounts, and scrutinised cost bases, providing recommendations for improvements, for example, at a multi-million-pound NHS practice.
 This understanding of financial management and operational efficiency is critical for ensuring the Party's internal 'engine' runs effectively, compliantly, and strategically—a necessity for growth and electoral success. Additionally, my extensive involvement in volunteer community roles, serving as a Charity Trustee, Chairman, and Treasurer for multiple sporting clubs and local charities, underscores my commitment to good governance, operational rigour and providing opportunities for others. I am trustworthy, resilient, and professional, ensuring I can balance long-term vision with day-to-day delivery. 
Political Experience
 For nearly two years, I have provided support and strategic experience as a Caseworker for Wendy Chamberlain MP. Working closely with a Deputy Leader and Chief Whip provides an invaluable understanding of the requirements for effective public office support—a core function of the Executive Committee.
 My role involves managing a diverse caseload and acting as a crucial link between constituents and various government departments and agencies. I have experience authoring impactful policy and campaign responses, drafting parliamentary questions, and conducting in-depth research to inform the MP’s stance on complex policy matters. I specifically helped shape the MP’s constituency environmental and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) strategies in North East Fife. Furthermore, I drove internal organisational excellence by spearheading a complete overhaul of the office's SharePoint system, enhancing data management and efficiency. My approach is solution-focused, identifying issues like housing problems in the constituency, utilising my own network to bring fresh, entrepreneurial contacts to the MP to discuss solutions.
 

What do you hope to achieve if elected?

If elected, I hope to use my network, business and strategic background to significantly contribute to the Executive Committee’s core mission of driving organisational excellence, increasing the size of the membership, and promoting a culture of politics defined by decency and trust. I am very interested in increasing donations to support our party's endeavours and hope to play a part in broadening our list of financial supporters in Scotland.
 Increasing Membership and Enthusiasm
 My foremost goal is to increase membership by ensuring the Scottish Liberal Democrats reflect the decency, trust, and respect that members and the wider public expect from politics. By combining professionalism with a empathetic, positive, long term approach, I believe we can make politics relevant, engaging, and responsive to people’s needs. A strong credible public image is crucial for promoting our philosophy and attracting new members, which is a key function of the EC. 
Improving Governance and Quality
 I will focus on ensuring the Party’s internal engine runs efficiently, compliantly, and strategically. Drawing on my expertise in financial oversight and organisational development (including IT improvements and strategic planning), I aim to enhance the administrative foundation. This administrative quality is fundamental to allowing our representatives from local councillors to Westminster MPs to focus on delivering a better future. I would seek to maximise resources available for campaigning activities and candidate selection, thereby boosting our electoral success with high quality support for high quality candidates.
 Support for Candidates and Elected Officials
 Having experienced the demands of supporting the Deputy Leader and Chief Whip, I understand the logistical needs of those in public office. I will proactively support the EC in providing backing for Scottish Liberal Democrat members in the Scottish Parliament, UK Parliament, and local councils. This includes encouraging the selection of quality candidates and future leaders.
 My commitment is to deliver results with professionalism and infectious optimism, making a positive impact on the culture, growth and success of the Party.