Falkirk West By-election 2000

'Although Falkirk West is a traditional Labour stronghold, the 'Canavan factor' makes the outcome of the contest less certain.' BBC Scotland News, 29 th November 2000

Date named for Canavan by-election

From BBC Scotland News, 29 th November 2000

Government business managers have moved the writ for a contest in the seat vacated by Dennis Canavan.

The by-election has been caused by Mr Canavan's decision to withdraw his application to rejoin the Labour Party.

He was expected to return to the fold after discussions with senior party figures but suddenly changed his mind.

Mr Canavan said he had discovered that Tony Blair had been personally involved in preventing him from standing as a Labour candidate in the Scottish Parliament elections in May 1999.

The Scottish National Party is represented by David Kerr, former editor of BBC Newsnight Scotland.

The Labour Party has announced ex-army major Eric Joyce as its choice to fight the seat.

Former lecturer Hugh O'Donnell is standing for the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

The Scottish Socialist Party's candidate is Iain Hunter.

Although Falkirk West is a traditional Labour stronghold, the "Canavan factor" makes the outcome of the contest less certain.

Mr Canavan was expelled from Labour after standing as an independent against the party's official candidate Ross Martin in the Scottish Parliament elections.

He was returned with the biggest majority in the parliament.