 | 'The Evening Telegraph made several attempts to contact other Labour politicians in Fife for their views on Gordon Brown's position. Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone was unobtainable due to being on annual leave while Fife Council's Labour party leader, Alex Rowley, was unavailable due to attending a Labour party forum in Warwick.' Evening Telegraph, 25 th July 2008. |  |
Fife and Tayside SNP politicians were also jubilant today following the party's win in Glasgow East.
North Tayside MSP and Finance Secretary John Swinney said, "John Mason delivered a truly outstanding result for the SNP that says to the UK Government they are out of touch with the concerns of people in Scotland and must change their policies to assist people in these difficult economic times.
"It is now time for the UK Government to cut the cost of fuel and respond positively to the strong and clear message sent by the people of Glasgow East."
Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick said the "momentous" result could have serious implications for Labour in Fife.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown enjoyed a 18,216 majority in his Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency in 2005, while Glenrothes Labour MP John MacDougall mustered a 10,664 majority three years ago.
She said judging by last night's result those majorities would be threatened at the next election.
Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham said, "This is a result that will echo all the way to Downing Street."
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart added, "It was a sensational result that will reverberate around Westminster.
"It was total vindication of John Mason's excellent campaign and the progress made by the Scottish Government."
Labour MSP Claire Baker said the result was "obviously disappointing" but maintained Gordon Brown was still the right man to lead the party.
"We knew it would be a tight result. Midway through term is always a difficult time to have a by-election for any government."
The Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP added, "What came up in the doorsteps about rising fuel costs and higher costs of living are all global factors and out of the control of the Government. I believe Gordon Brown is the ideal person to get us through this and should continue as leader of the Labour party."
Mid-Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Murdo Fraser said, "It is an absolute disaster for Gordon Brown and Labour, losing their third safest seat in Scotland. It looks like the end of the road for the current Labour Government."
Fife SNP councillor Peter Grant, said the scale of the SNP's victory meant no Labour seat in Scotland was safe.
"The media predicted Gordon Brown's job as Prime Minister could be on the line. I'm afraid it's more serious than that. At this rate he might not even be an MP after the next election."
The Evening Telegraph made several attempts to contact other Labour politicians in Fife for their views on Gordon Brown's position. Kirkcaldy MSP Marilyn Livingstone was unobtainable due to being on annual leave while Fife Council's Labour party leader, Alex Rowley, was unavailable due to attending a Labour party forum in Warwick.
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