EDINBURGH EASTERN, MUSSELBURGH AND TRANENT

Who I am, and why I’m Running for Holyrood in 2026…

Policy

I’m the National Director of the Scottish Fabians, and Vice-Chair of the Scottish Policy Forum and the SEC.

I have years of experience developing policy in and outside the Labour Party.

more information coming soon as this website updates

Campaigns

I was Chris Murray’s Election Agent during the election campaign.

I’ve been an afforable childcare campaigner and a campaigner against cuts to local authortities.

Experience

I was Head of Office to Martin Whitfield as MP for East Lothian, and then worked for now Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray,

I work as Head of Office to Chris Murray, MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.

Local

I’ve lived in these constituencies for the past twenty five years. It’s where I work and where I’m raising my family.

I’ve been a local charity volunteer, and a volunteer at St Columba’s Palliative Care Hospice.

I have written and developed policy on social security, childcare, devolution and political strategy.

Read below my ideas published in the Guardian, the Scotsman and the Fabian Review, (just click on each image to read further).

A voice for the future - How Labour can shape the next 20 years of devolution

Edited by Katherine Sangster & Martin McCluskey — A voice for the future - How Labour can shape the next 20 years of devolution Edited by Katherine Sangster & Martin McCluskey

In time of need - Scotland
Building Income Security for all — In time of need - Scotland Building Income Security for all

Winning Back "The First Red Wall"
Scotland and the path to a Labour Government — Winning Back "The First Red Wall" Scotland and the path to a Labour Government

This is how Labour can win back Scotland - and achieve a majority UK government - The Guardian

Scotland, the 'original red wall', is vital to Labour's chances of ousting Tory Government - The Scotsman

Scotland has little to show for benefits devolution, but it can make radical changes that would give people real financial security - The Scotsman

What others say about me…

"I worked closely with Kath during the General Election when she was election agent in Chris Murray’s very successful campaign. Knowing the East and Musselburgh area well , she knew the right strategy to use, as well as ensuring the day to day work got done effectively. With Kath as candidate you will be choosing someone who isn’t just a campaigner but someone whose experience will get the best possible outcomes for constituents.”

Sheila Gilmore, Labour MP for Edinburgh East 2010 -2015

"As a local businessman, I know how important it is to have leaders who genuinely understand the needs of our community. I’m proud to support Katherine's campaign and have no doubt she’ll make a real difference once elected.”

Ferhan Ashiq, Local Business Leader

“Kath’s intellectual ability in policy development is matched by her proven ability to deliver electoral success, particularly evident in her leadership during recent victories in Edinburgh. She is driven by a genuine desire to make a tangible difference to her community, and I am certain that, if elected, she will play a pivotal role in shaping Scottish Labour’s impact in government.

Having worked closely with Kath in the past, I know firsthand her exceptional ability to hit the ground running. She played a vital role in supporting me when I set up my own office after winning the Rutherglen by-election, and I have no doubt she will bring the same commitment and expertise to the role, fighting for her constituents and for the Labour Party.”

Michael Shanks, Labour MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West and Minister of State for Energy

"Kath has immense talent and is a fierce advocate for young people within the party and the country. Her record as a strong local and national campaigner makes her the perfect person to be on the frontline of the fight to take back Holyrood in 2026"

Peter Lally, Young Musselburgh Resident