 | 'The hotel was packed with guests, most of them asleep by the time Watson took it into his head to set a curtain ablaze, after berating employees trying to close the bar. It is only by luck and the prompt action of the staff that the fire did not take hold.' Herald Editorial, 2 nd September 2005. |  |
FIVE more hopefuls have entered the race to be Labour's candidate in the by-election to replace Mike Watson in Glasgow Cathcart.
Charan Gill, the 50-year-old millionaire curry king; Bill Miller, the former MEP; Carolyn Manson, who stood in Argyll & Bute at the general election; and councillors Irene Graham and John Flanagan confirmed yesterday that they hope to fill the vacancy which has been left by the disgraced MSP's resignation.
Labour headquarters will draw up a shortlist on Wednesday, and local party members will make their choice on Friday. The SNP and Tories will also select candidates this week.
However, there are early signs of trouble ahead for Mr Gill. The entrepreneur, who made a fortune from the Ashoka restaurant chain, is not a Labour party member.
He told a Sunday newspaper: "I come with fresh ideas and no political baggage."
But one Labour hopeful said local activists would resent HQ parachuting in Mr Gill, even if, as rumoured, he is backed by Jack McConnell, the first minister.
"Mr Gill is a charming self-publicist, and may get on the short leet.
"But local members have been working all their lives for the party."
Mr Gill could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
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