 | 'Given the party's difficulties at the Euro by-election in North-east Scotland, which was marked by difficulties in getting activists out to help, Mr Canavan's success in recruiting helpers is ominous for Labour.' Robbie Dinwoodie in the Herald, 11 th December 1998. |  |
The news will be a further blow to Scottish New Labour, which imposed a shortlist on the constituency last weekend, leading to the selection of West Lothian councillor Ross Martin.
Given the party's difficulties at the Euro by-election in North-east Scotland, which was marked by difficulties in getting activists out to help, Mr Canavan's success in recruiting helpers is ominous for Labour.
Mr Canavan failed to be accepted as an eligible candidate for Holyrood and Scottish Secretary Donald Dewar later publicly branded him as not being up to the required standard as a candidate.
When his appeal against this failed and it was clear the party hierarchy was refusing to budge, he said he would stand anyway, knowing that this would lead to automatic expulsion.
Most members of the constituency party executive resigned as a show of support for Mr Canavan and he circulated a letter round the constituency, explaining why had decided to make his stand. This letter included a tear-off slip for those who would be willing to back his candidacy to sign.
"Between 60 and 70 members of my constituency party have indicated in writing that they will be willing to back me and work for me as candidate," Mr Canavan said yesterday."
He said he had received many other verbal offers of support from party members who were unwilling to put this in writing at this stage, given the current mood in the party.
He contrasted his level of support with the numbers who voted on Sunday - barely a quarter of those eligible across the two Falkirk constituencies, which he said was symptomatic of the disillusion in party ranks over the way the hierarchy was conducting affairs. - Dec 11
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