chris murray’s story…

I moved to Edinburgh over eight years ago, and now live off Easter Road. I fell in love with this fantastic place when I moved here. I love living somewhere with a thriving cultural scene, breath-taking views, beautiful beaches, and brilliant people.  

Before coming here, I grew up in Glasgow, where I attended my local comprehensive state school. Thanks to my amazing teachers, I studied at Oxford University, and then did masters degrees at the London School of Economics and at Harvard. I passionately believe in the power of excellent state education to transform people’s lives and give them the opportunity to see the world.

I’ve spent my whole career working to make life better for our communities, especially the most vulnerable. For the five years immediately prior to my election, I worked to combat human trafficking in Scotland. I’ve seen with my own eyes how the most vulnerable people have been let down by Tory governments. I’ve also volunteered as the chair of a Scottish charity helping destitute people, bringing support to people who are completely sidelined by the system. 

Before that, I worked for Save The Children and a thinktank. And before that, I worked for the Foreign Office at the UK Embassy in Paris. My work involved representing Britain abroad and protecting UK citizens in moments of crisis.

I love this place. Edinburgh East and Musselburgh has all the raw materials to thrive in the twenty-first century. But I worry too much has been holding us back. Our economy should be booming – but too many people are struggling to pay rent or mortgages, or even find a home. There aren’t enough well-paying jobs, and too many sick people are on waiting lists for NHS treatment when they should be living their lives. Our amazing cultural venues are struggling. There is sewage in the water washing up on our beaches, and we need to do far more to tackle the climate crisis. 

Despite this, I firmly believe our best days lie ahead. As your MP, I work every day to ensure your voice is heard at the heart of Government. There is so much to do, and so much we could achieve together, to give Edinburgh East and Musselburgh the amazing future it deserves.