 | 'Provoked by the case of Lord Archer, there is currently discussion of including in reforms to the House of Lords legislation to strip peers of their titles if convicted of serious criminal offences. Foreigners visiting these shores might find it odd that someone who has so besmirched himself that he feels obliged to resign from the board of a football club is still free to operate as a peer of the realm.' Herald Editorial, 2 nd September 2005. |  |
LORD Watson's resignation from the Scottish Parliament will trigger a by-election.
The date will be decided by George Reid, the presiding officer, but must be within three months and may be as early as September 29 to coincide with the Livingston by-election, caused by the death of Robin Cook.
Charles Gordon, former leader of Glasgow City Council, yesterday confirmed his hat was "firmly in the ring" for the party's internal selection contest. Archie Graham, the Glasgow councillor for Langside, had earlier confirmed he would stand if Watson were to stand down.
Stephen Curran, the councillor for Pollokshaws, is also likely to stand, as is Alan Stewart, councillor for Carmunnock and Watson's election agent.
Iain Gray, the former enterprise minister and Pentlands MSP, has also expressed an interest.
Another name in the frame is Bill Miller, who failed to be returned as an MEP in last year's elections.
Much will depend on Tom Harris, Labour MP for Glasgow South. Mr Miller tried to oust Mr Harris from the seat in a selection battle last year that was marred by allegations of dirty tricks, and the two men are enemies.
Remoter possibilities include Lesley Quinn, general secretary of Labour in Scotland, and Gerry Carroll, a local advocate and ex-councillor. Maire Whitehead is seen as the frontrunner for the SNP candidacy.
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