The Glenrothes By-election 2008

'A vote for the SNP sends a clear message to the Government in London - that they have to act on rising household bills. London only listens when the SNP win - it's Fife's turn now.' Cllr Peter Grant, 22 nd August 2008.

Candidate announced for Glenrothes by-election

From the Scottish National Party 22 nd August 2008

The SNP tonight announced that Cllr Peter Grant will be the candidate for the Westminster by-election in Glenrothes.

The date for the by-election is still to be announced.

Cllr Grant has lived in Fife for 25 years, and is currently the Leader of Fife Council, which shares administration with the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Grant said: "I am delighted to have been selected to fight the by-election, and am looking forward to the campaign.

"The SNP is working hard to earn the support of the people of Scotland and to make Scotland a better place for us all.

"I've lived and worked in Fife, and understand what Fife has to offer and what it needs to take the next step forward.

"A vote for the SNP sends a clear message to the Government in London - that they have to act on rising household bills. London only listens when the SNP win - it's Fife's turn now."

Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick commented:

"The SNP has worked hard to deliver on what matters to the people of Scotland and has done what it can to address the concerns of hard working families over the cost of living, rising household bills, crime, healthcare and opportunity.

"Peter has campaigned for years on local issues such as tolls on the Forth and Tay bridges, now abolished by the SNP. Fife Council, led by Peter Grant, has frozen the council tax, after it had risen by 61% under Labour.

"Peter is ready and able to be the new, powerful voice that speaks up for the needs of the local community at Westminster."

Leader of the SNP Alex Salmond added:

"Last month the voters of Glasgow East sent a message to the Labour government in London and they got results Ð a freeze on the planned 2 p increase in fuel duty. It's not enough but it's a start and shows what can be achieved if we stand together and make our voices heard.

"We're doing what we can in Scotland to make life a little easier. The UK Government, by contrast, has stood aside and done nothing.

"Labour are out of touch in Fife, Scotland and Westminster. The SNP are moving Fife and Scotland forward."

Peter Grant (48) lives locally in Glenrothes.

After 16 years as a local councillor (representing the Glenrothes West & Kinglassie ward), he is now leader of Fife Council.

Peter won his first council election in 1992, and became the first non-Labour leader of Fife Council last year. He has been credited with turning around Fife Council, has an excellent track record as a local campaigner, and was one of the driving forces behind the SNP campaign to scrap Forth and Tay bridge tolls.

He has spent much of his working life in the public sector, initially training as a teacher before going on to work in several public sector finance positions.

He is married to local GP and fellow SNP councillor, Fiona Grant.