The Glasgow North East By-election 2009

'The Labour Party last night selected law lecturer William Bain as its candidate for the Glasgow North East by-election.' Eddie Barnes Political Editor in Scotland on Sunday, 5 th July 2009.

Labour chooses lecturer to run in by-election

By Brian Currie in the Herald 30 th June 2009

The Labour Party last night selected law lecturer William Bain as its candidate for the Glasgow North East by-election.

Mr Bain, 36, was born and brought up in Springburn in the heart of the constituency and is currently secretary of the local Constituency Labour Party. He said: "This is my home and I know the challenges and problems that local people face every day."

He defeated three other candidates to win the nomination for the by-election which was caused by the resignation of Michael Martin, both as Speaker of the House of Commons and local MP. A date for the ballot has still to be set.

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said Mr Bain knew the constituency "inside out".

"He knows exactly what local people are concerned about - jobs, crime, regeneration and better housing."

Councillor Gerry Leonard, chair of the Glasgow North East CLP, said Mr Bain had worked for many years in the community.

"He knows what this area needs and he's prepared to fight for it," he said.

The SNP is 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.