 | 'THE Glasgow North East by-election will not be held until November. Labour bosses ruled out staging it during the summer holidays amid fears it could clash with voters' holidays, affecting turnout. Senior party sources say that means it won't happen until after MPs return in October from their summer break. The by-election will take place on November 5 or 12, with the later date the strong favourite.' Evening Times, 30 th June 2009. |  |
THE Glasgow North East by-election will not be held until November.
Labour bosses ruled out staging it during the summer holidays amid fears it could clash with voters' holidays, affecting turnout.
Senior party sources say that means it won't happen until after MPs return in October from their summer break. The by-election will take place on November 5 or 12, with the later date the strong favourite.
Labour last night selected law lecturer William Bain as its candidate.
Mr Bain, 36, was born and brought up in Springburn, in the heart of the constituency, and is secretary of the local Constituency Labour Party. He said: "I know the challenges local people face every day."
He defeated three other candidates to win the nomination for the by-election caused by the resignation of Michael Martin.
Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said Mr Bain knew the constituency "inside out".
The SNP was also due to select its candidate this week after the frontrunner, Glasgow councillor Grant Thoms, unexpectedly withdrew his nomination.
The Scottish Socialist Party is selecting its candidate on Thursday, with former MSP Frances Curran expected to win the nomination.
Meanwhile, it emerged yesterday most Scots want the Scottish Government to have more tax powers but only if the move is agreed in a referendum.
Around 56% of 1010 people interviewed for an ICM poll said there should be a vote while 37% believed the change could be made without asking.
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