A HIGH-PROFILE SNP councillor who quit local politics citing smear campaigns and misogyny has thrown her hat in the ring to succeed an MP currently suspended due to a police probe.
Rosa Zambonini announced she would be seeking the nomination for Glasgow East within hours of the June 8 election being called.
The area's MP, Natalie McGarry, has been charged with a number of fraud offences and while suspended by the SNP cannot put herself forward for nomination. She is unlikely to stand as an independent.
Last month Ms Zambonini, a councillor for Wishaw in North Lanarkshire, cited family responsibilities and sustained personal attacks for her decision not to seek re-election in May.
But she said that following "time to reflect" she has decided to re-enter the political arena with a pitch for Ms McGarry's seat.
Nominations are still some time from opening, with the SNP stating that its National Executive Committe will meet in the coming days "to agree the procedure for all candidates".
However the move has already caused ripples within the SNP in the Glasgow area, where David Linden, aide to Glasgow South MP Allison Thewliss, had been expected to stand in the event of a local by-elections.
One Westminster source said: "My advice would've been to at least wait until nominations open."
In her statement, Ms Zambonini said: "After deliberation and discussion with my family and colleagues I have decided to seek selection for the SNP Candidacy in the Glasgow East Westminster Constituency.
"In the last few years I feel I have gained the necessary experience as a councillor, activist and within my role working for an MSP, and that it’s time for me to use this experience to benefit others. Recently I took the decision to stand back from front line politics for a variety of reasons, I have used this time to reflect and now feel like I’m in a place where I’m ready to take on such an important task.
"I now feel like nothing could phase me when it comes to representing the people who need represented the most.
"The party will set out the nomination process in due course and I fully support any measures put in place which will best serve the people of Glasgow East. Through all of my experience in political and third sector life, I have always found that there is no greater pleasure than knowing that you’ve had a positive impact on the lives of others."
One senior source said Ms Zambonini had "no connection with the constituency", adding: "We already have really good long-standing activists in both Glasgow East and Edinburgh West who are ready to step up. David Linden would have been a popular choice locally and in the city. He would have been if there had been a by-election too."
The Herald also understands there are misgivings over the timing of Ms Zambonini's departure from local politics and her announcement today.
When she announced she would not be seeking re-election as a councillor Ms Zambonini referenced a "smear campaign" by Labour members on the authority and instances of sexism and misogyny for her decision.
She also said she had been accused of exploiting the decision by her 13-year-old son to come out as transgender for her own career.
Other SNP sources said internal party friction was likely to have been a significant factor in her decision.
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