A former weekly newspaper editor who became head of the Press Association in Scotland has secured a Lib Dem nomination to stand for a seat in Westminster next year.

Christine Jardine, left, who is former editor of the Deeside Piper, has been elected to stand for the seat of Gordon in 2015.

She beat off competition from Aboyne, Upper Deeside and Donside councillor Peter Argyle to be given the chance to try and succeed veteran MP Sir Malcolm Bruce – who has said he won’t stand again in 2015.

Christine has had a long career in journalism in Scotland working both for the Piper and as a broadcast journalist for the BBC in Aberdeen

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg was quick to tweet his congratulations to Christine, who has one daughter and is married to fellow journalist Calum Macdonald.

“Fantastic news that @CAJardine has been selected as PPC for Gordon. She will make an excellent and hard working MP,” he tweeted.

As well as working as a journalist, Christine has also served as a special adviser to Scottish Secretary Michael Moore and to Mr Clegg.

Sir Malcolm is currently one of the longest serving politicians in the UK having first won Gordon in 1983.

“It’s a privilege to be given this opportunity. We have a tremendous record in Aberdeenshire and especially in Gordon where Malcolm Bruce has been a strong and effective voice for 30 years,” Christine told the Liberal Democrat Voice website.

“Over the next 16 months I intend to meet as many people as possible to hear their views and discuss how Liberal Democrats in this Government have been working hard to lower taxes and raise pensions for ordinary people in the North East.”

Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said:  “I am delighted that Gordon Liberal Democrats have chosen Christine Jardine as their candidate following my decision to stand down at the next General Election.

“Christine has strong local connections. I have no doubt that she will campaign energetically across Gordon and take up the issues that matter in the city and shire.”