Independent candidate William Wallace has said he is standing in the Scottish Parliament election to offer Paisley “a representative who answers to the community, not to a party whip”.
The 41-year-old entrepreneur is contesting the Paisley constituency as an independent, arguing that voters are looking for a more direct and accountable approach to politics.
On his campaign website, he says: “I’m standing as an independent because I believe Paisley deserves a representative who answers to the community, not to a party whip.”
Mr Wallace says he brings more than 15 years’ experience in digital marketing, data analytics and ecommerce, and believes that background gives him the ability to “cut through noise, read the data, and deliver results”.
He has centred his campaign on a number of local issues, including the cost of living, pressure on public services and the need to support businesses in Paisley.
His priorities include pushing for a fairer council tax system and greater support for households facing rising energy and food costs, as well as improved access to healthcare and shorter waiting times at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
Mr Wallace has also highlighted community safety, calling for more visible policing and early intervention to tackle antisocial behaviour, and has said more support is needed in schools, including additional staff and expanded vocational pathways for young people.
On the local economy, he is calling for rate relief for small businesses and further investment to help regenerate Paisley town centre, saying more needs to be done to bring jobs into the area.
He has also set out a position on Scotland’s constitutional future, supporting further devolution of powers while arguing that any move towards independence should be delivered in a “sensible” and pragmatic way.
Mr Wallace has previously said he is motivated by his experience as a father raising a family in Paisley, and wants to see improvements in local services, education and support for businesses.
Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 7th May to decide who will represent Paisley at Holyrood.
Go to our main Paisley Constituency page, here: https://www.renfrewshire24.co.uk/elections-2026-paisley-constituency.