 | 'Even at the last election in 2005, when Mr Martin stood as the Speaker and when convention dictates he is not opposed at the ballot box, there were six other candidates who lined up against him.' Lorraine Davidson in the Times, 23 rd May 2009. |  |
| 'Even at the last election in 2005, when Mr Martin stood as the Speaker and when convention dictates he is not opposed at the ballot box, there were six other candidates who lined up against him.' Lorraine Davidson in the Times, 23 rd May 2009. | |
A high profile by-election contest is usually an opportunity for parties to parachute in their ambitious rising stars - hopeful of seizing an early chance to capture the limelight and take their place on the Westminster stage.
Early indications are that the main parties will stick with local activists in the forthcoming battle to replace Michael Martin in Glasgow North East. There are credible local candidates for both Labour and the SNP but a noticeable dearth of interest from anyone more glamorous.
As politicians of all mainstream political parties are castigated for spending taxpayers money on everything from 29p dusters to duck houses, this by-election fight is only for the extremely brave or the downright foolish.
The Tories new golden boy, Paul McBride, QC, wasted no time in denying he was planning to stand for any elected post.
While the main parties may struggle to attract a substantial list of the brightest and the best, there is likely to be no shortage of anti-sleaze, anti-establishment candidates.
Even at the last election in 2005, when Mr Martin stood as the Speaker and when convention dictates he is not opposed at the ballot box, there were six other candidates who lined up against him.
The Glasgow North-East by-election will be the first opportunity for anyone to stand for election following the expenses row at Westminster.
While Esther Ranzen has already pinned her hopes on Luton and Joanna Lumley has already secured her victory without the bother of standing for Parliament, dozens of other non party-aligned figures could come forward. The name game is already underway, with everyone from sports stars to newspaper agony aunts being touted.
It is possible, if a strong anti-sleaze candidate comes forward, they could take the seat - which at least would save Labour from defeat by the SNP.
However, the prospect of an independent winning a high profile by-election will panic all the mainstream parties and raise the prospect of a move against all incumbents at the next general election.
It is no wonder that none of the Westminster opposition parties were clamouring for Mr Martin to stand down as an MP.
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