The First Minister said on Twitter: “Great to join @Ianblackford_MP this morning in support of @AnumQaisarJaved our fantastic candidate in Airdrie & Shotts Westminster by-election. For a strong voice for the constituency, please #VoteSNP.” Ms Qaisar Javed will stand against Scottish Labour’s Kenneth Stevenson, who party leader Anas Sarwar this week described as “Labour to his core” and said that if elected, he would be a “champion” for the people of Airdrie and Shotts. Scottish National Party's (SNP) newly elected Neil Gray arrives for registration at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh. Another six candidates, from parties including the Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Liberal Democrats and Scottish Greens, will also stand.