The Glenrothes By-election 2008

'Minister David Cairns continued today with Labour fears that more internal warfare will lead to almost certain defeat in the Glenrothes by-election.' Bernard Ponsonby in STV News, 17 th September 2008.

Fears Labour internal struggle will lead to by-election defeat

By Bernard Ponsonby in STV News, 17 th September 2008

Minister David Cairns continued today with Labour fears that more internal warfare will lead to almost certain defeat in the Glenrothes by-election. The Glasgow MP Ann McKechin has been appointed to succeed Mr Cairns as the party's MPs prepare for next week's conference in Manchester.

Ê Yesterday David Cairns resigned as a Scotland Office Minister. Today Glasgow North MP Ann McKechin was briefed in London as she succeeded the Inverclyde MP.

Ê A by-election is due when Labour and an embattled Gordon Brown will face the judgement of the voters in Glenrothes.

Ê Out campaigning today was Eric Joyce MP. He is part of a growng band who believe Labour has to address where it is going, code for it being the Prime Minister's fault.

Ê Not since Harold Wilson in the late 60s has a Labour Prime Minister had to endure questions over his competence allied to a hostile press and growing internal discontent.

Ê Next week Gordon Brown has to deliver the conference speech of his life - something extraordinary to crush dissent and relaunch the Government. If he fails, dissent will grow and instability will be the norm. His eviction from Downing Street will more likely to be at the hands of his party and not the voters.