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Long run in to crucial Glenrothes by-election



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Published Date: 28 August 2008
By Hamish Macdonell
THE Glenrothes by-election is likely to be delayed until late October or early November, it emerged last night.
A final decision has not yet been taken, but it is understood Labour leaders favour either Thursday, 30 October or Thursday, 6 November for the contest.

The November date is the favourite simply because it comes only a day after the expected result of the American presidential election, and if Labour was to lose, party managers believe the bad news would be partly buried by the US coverage.

Gordon Brown was in Fife yesterday on constituency business, and although senior Labour sources stressed that no decision on the timing had been made yet, it is understood that the Prime Minister favours a long run-in to the crucial poll.

Labour will choose its candidate next Monday. One early front-runner is Lindsay Roy, the headteacher of Kirkcaldy High School.

The by-election was caused by the death of John MacDougall, the Labour MP, from lung cancer.

The SNP is favourite to take the seat, which Labour holds with a 10,600 majority.





The full article contains 189 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 27 August 2008 9:16 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
 
1

Guga II,

Rockall 28/08/2008 00:06:13
The New Labour Sleaze and Corruption Party up to their usual tricks; try and bury the bad news under the American election coverage. It still won't hide their lies, deceit and corruption.

2

druidh,

edinburgh 28/08/2008 00:07:04
C'mon Scotsman. Ask your "sources" why it's OK for the people of Glenrothes to do without a representative for so long, yet not those in Glasgow?

Treating the people of Fife with contempt?


Again???
3

Neil Waugh,

Old Strathcona 28/08/2008 00:09:45
All these blazing insights were largely copied from yesterday's Daily Record. Not a lot of heavy lifting going on at the Hootsman these days.
4

Castaway,

28/08/2008 00:11:57
Gordon Brown said :It is right that the constituents of this area of Glasgow (East)have a new MP as soon as possible.
Could this also be said for the constituents of Glenrothes.
Scotland Office Minister, David Cairns,claimed that a writ for the Glasgow East by-election had to be rushed through to ensure the constituency was not without an MP for months.Could this also be said for the constituency of Glenrothes ?
5

,

28/08/2008 00:19:54
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
6

Jimmy Le Pie,

28/08/2008 00:27:48
New Labour Sleaze also said that the reason the Crewe by-election was rushed was to give the electorate representation as soon as possible.

Snake Oil salesmen and charlatans every last one of them. Make them pay at the ballot box.

Vote SNP
7

Traquir , Alba,

28/08/2008 00:32:44
Interesting how the English papers seem to pick up the Scottish
news first.

From the Times :

"Head of Gordon Brown's old school may stand in Glenrothes"

see - tinyurl.com/6prlla

So we have candidate number four. I wonder if
he as scary in person as his picture makes him look.
Looks like the tactic might now be to give all voters
that consider voting the SNP the strap :)
Another cunning ploy courtesy of Labour .
8

ptdoug,

28/08/2008 00:35:43
Treating the voters of Fife with contempt. Usual Labour twisted, underhand tactics.

They will pay a heavy price at the polls.

Must read Connery article over at ;

www.cybernatcentral.
blogspot.com

pop over and vote in our poll;

Who is closer to Thatcher, in policies and friendship?
Gordon brown or Alex Salmond? Poll has 2 more days to run.
9

Darien,

Panama 28/08/2008 00:44:46
Delay is not going to save Broon's skin. He is due his biggest kicking so far at Glenrothes, followed by New labour wipe out at the next election, followed by the biggest moment in Scotland's history for over 300 years. Maybe he could get a new career as Principal of Edinburgh University, where a' them nice English yaas are given their higher edukashun, an taught Adam Smith an a that? Bring it on, as the fat lady hersel said.
10

Ken_Fitlike,

28/08/2008 01:06:25


it's coming for a' that
11

jimboo,

glenrothes constituency 28/08/2008 01:07:58
Having carried out a deep and thourough investigation into the feelings of the electorate in my street the majority dont care a lot. 40% to 50% turnout maybe. The question for the left is will Solidarity stand against Morag Balfour as a Party or hide behind Maureen Closs and the Campaign against Charges and freeze out the CWI. The question for the right is what am I havering about.
12

Traquir , Alba,

28/08/2008 01:14:23
Yep as Castaway pointed out Gordon Brown appears to
have committed himself to an early election unless
Labour are even bigger hypocrites that we thought
possible, which would be quite an achievement,
but sadly not too surprising.

From the official records of the
House of Commons

Gordon Brown 2nd July 2008
"It is right that the constituents of this area of Glasgow have a new MP as soon as possible"

see - tinyurl.com/56zegj

Time line Glasgow East

30th June 2008 David Marshall resigns
see - tinyurl.com/55ro5c
One day later
1st July 2008 By-election date announced for 24th July
shamelessly in the middle of the
Glasgow fair holidays
see - tinyurl.com/6a3scj
see - tinyurl.com/56jbjz

13th August 2008 - tragically the sitting MP
for Glenrothes dies

15 days later
28th August 2008 - still no date for by-election

If Labour had followed their haste to ensure
that Glenrothes was not left unrepresented
the date for Glenrothes should have been in 8 days on
the 4th of September.

Apparently the Prime Minster has been two faced
in front of the entire House of Commons and
all of the Scottish people.

So Mr Brown and Mr Cairns why is not the case that
"It is right that the constituents of this area of Glenrothes have a new MP as soon as possible" , which
would have been the 4th of September ?

Labour can't be trusted on anything not even
fairly choosing a date for our democratic process.

13

jimboo,

the wemyss 28/08/2008 01:16:47
By the way, the massive changes in the Constituency makes it a mainly middle class electorate that will decide the outcome, the numbe of new middle class housing projects that have been completed since the last election. It would have been close anyway no matter what was happening with New Labour. That is why the SNP have a very right wing Thatcherite candidate, even more to the right than any of the Labour hopefuls. Go Mo.
14

Team Scotland,

FC UK No! 28/08/2008 01:24:18
About the best option for Labour. The tactic of calling it early and taking the hit was not a runner as they are having difficulty finding a candidate. Even the latest name appears to be one of Browns ‘Alex Ferguson’ announcements insomuch as he appears not to have asked Roy yet.

Since parliament returns on the 6th of October 2008 to delay moving the writ much past the first week would tempt the SNP to take the initiative. By making the announcement now they can hold off until November in the hope that ‘events’ throw them a lifeline
15

Embra Don,

28/08/2008 01:49:35
A good day to bury bad news eh?

Or maybe they just don't think they'll have a candidate any earlier?
16

Embra Don,

28/08/2008 01:51:31
Or are they still trying to find out which week the tattie holidays are?
17

Castaway,

28/08/2008 01:51:45
#12:Traquir-During the Parliamentary recess when a member of Parliament dies or goes to the Lords, a by-election can be triggered by two MPs from any party certifying an election warrant,if the certificate is served by any two MPs more than two weeks before the end of the recess(or maybe any two MPs from any party ?).
This means that any party could technically move the writ - against the wishes of Labour.
This tactic was threatened but never carried out by Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West, and Ken Livingstone, MP for Brent East, may start the process leading to an election in Wirral South this week, despite a decision by their party's leadership not to force the issue. Dec 23, 1996:tinyurl.com/67mfem

18

Embra Don,

28/08/2008 01:58:35
#2 druidh,

The Scotsman journos - sorry sources - are probably keeping their head below the parapet on this one in case they are press-ganged into standing.
19

Traquir , Alba,

28/08/2008 03:28:38
17 Castaway

Very interesting, perhaps a pair of sympathetic MPs
from other parties could forward the writ
to set the date for the Glenrothes by-election
e.g. Plaid Cymru & Sinn Féin. It is about
time the nationalists should be having Westminster
dance a jig to their tune. Why should we
have to wait for Maggie Broon to call the
election at a time of his choosing :)



20

Castaway,

28/08/2008 04:53:14
#19:Traquir. Perhaps this will create uncertainty in the mind of Gordon on wether to hold the Glenrothes by-election during the Parliament recess not knowing or even the threat of any 2 MPs asking for a writ to hold the by-election to be issued right up until 2 weeks before the Parliament resumes on 6 October.I doubt if this will happen but neither does Gordon ?
21

donald anderson it's me,

weegieland 28/08/2008 06:14:32
Why not November 5?
22

,

28/08/2008 06:26:13
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
23

McNasty,

Edinburgh 28/08/2008 06:52:08
One does wonder if GB, MP and PM of GB is getting his nerve up to call a quick general election; before a full blown UK recession starts.

In would not do to lose a by-election just before a general election.
24

tommy M,

28/08/2008 07:08:15
Weird that the corrupt new liebour party is leaving Glenrothes without a representative for so long, after hastening a speedy Glasgow East by election so that the constituents would not be unrepresented for long. Inconsistent as well as incompetent!
25

Boy Wonder,

28/08/2008 07:29:19
Labour is running scared!
26

Rulesbutnotrulers,

Federation, not separation 28/08/2008 07:47:07
Once more Scots will vote AGAINST Labour rather than FOR independence.

The Scottish Xenophobic Party will ignore that fact and claim their cause is supported.

But check just how many of those canny Fifers do NOT turn out for Shrek.
27

Unbeliever,

28/08/2008 07:47:12
Could the timing have anything to do with the Labour Party conference perchance?
28

Vote UKIP,

28/08/2008 07:49:00
So they're fielding a headmaster who doesn't mind losing his reputation. The man would have to be a fool to stand for NuLabour!

I'm voting for UKIP because I believe that they will undo the damage caused by NuLabour.

VOTE UKIP in Glenrothes!
29

The Spook in Leith,

28/08/2008 07:51:20
The SNP is favourite to take the seat, which Labour holds with a 10,600 majority.

No longer can Labour just turn up in a seat and take the majority for granted, those days are over.
30

Vote UKIP,

28/08/2008 07:54:46
BTW, the SNP are no good either. They are in bed with the EU as well!

Post Office Closures (EU Directives 97/67/EC, 2002/39/EC)

Scrapping weekly bin collections (EU Directive 94/62/EC)

'Land of elf 'n' safety: EU Proms police order musicians to keep the volume down'

31

Vote UKIP,

28/08/2008 07:59:54
#26,

That's why I believe Fifers are ready to embrace UKIP as the solution to 11 years of Labour.

Are you with us?
32

The Spook in Leith,

28/08/2008 08:12:37
#30

It was funny the first time.. now your just playing the same old tired record...YAWN!!!!
33

The Spook in Leith,

28/08/2008 08:16:26
I see another unionist has destroyed the Chris Hoy forum, why ? please read..

Top cyclist backpedals on Scottish team

CHRIS Hoy yesterday softened his stance on the idea of a separate Scots Olympic team.

Asked whether he would represent his homeland at a future Games, the 32-year-old said: "I would cross that bridge when I came to it. If it came to Scotland representing itself in the Olympic Games, I would be very proud to do that, obviously.

"My concerns initially were that were Scotland to go it alone, there aren't the facilities in my sport to sustain a team. So I believe before any calls are made for a Scottish team, they need to address the facilities.

"We've got the talent, we've got these athletes, we've got the passion, we just need the opportunities and facilities to make it happen, otherwise you would be banging your head against a brick wall."

Must be a bad day in the office for the unionists
34

gus1940,

Edinburgh 28/08/2008 08:36:32
Now that Sean Connery has retired from film making wouldn't it be a laugh if he could be persuaded to come home and stand against Gordon Brown at the next General Election.
35

Linda,

Edinburgh 28/08/2008 08:40:15
Check out Lord Foulkes nonsense under burning issue
36

Vote UKIP,

28/08/2008 08:47:23
#32 It's not meant to be funny.

UKIP is Scotland's only hope.

VOTE UKIP in Glenrothes!

Don't believe the Lib-Lab-SNP-Con.
37

The Spook in Leith,

28/08/2008 08:53:45
#36 Vote UKIP,28/08/2008 08:47:23
#32 It's not meant to be funny.

UKIP is Scotland's only hope.

VOTE UKIP in Glenrothes!

Don't believe the Lib-Lab-SNP-Con.

I believe in the tooth fairy
38

Alasdair,

28/08/2008 09:18:49
#3, Neil Waugh - you say:
"All these blazing insights were largely copied from yesterday's Daily Record. Not a lot of heavy lifting going on at the Hootsman these days."

You've probably noticed, but this paper's content tends to mirror the Daily Record to an astonishing degree these days.

Regular readers may not realise this, but this rag runs on the barest bones of a skeleton staff. The few staff members they actually employ are either concerned with soliciting advertising, or knocking out editorials in the guise of "articles" about the SNP.

I happen to know a number of people who have jumped ship to greener pastures, and some of the tales they have about what goes on in Hootsmon towers are outrageous.
As standard, a selection of made-up names are tagged on freebie bits from AP, etc. What's more, the likes of Scotland on Sunday is so short-staffed that the small body of staff uses multiple pseudonons to prevent readers realising that the entire paper is written by only 5 or six hacks.

This paper is a soon to be obsolete joke. I personally gave up caring back in the early 90s when the rot set in.
39

Nikostratos,

28/08/2008 09:19:08
#33


"We've got the talent, we've got these athletes, we've got the passion, we just need the opportunities and facilities to make it happen, otherwise you would be banging your head against a brick wall."

Chris is pointing out he only managed to win his medals due to the facilities provided by the 'Unionists' and if the nationalist wish to do the same they best ensure adequate funding.
40

gus1940,

Edinburgh 28/08/2008 09:35:18
~38

I have recently been accessing on a daily basis the on-line versions of several papers both Scottish and London-based.

What amazes and depresses me is the amount of news that is never reported in The Scotsman.

I have been a loyal reader since 1965 but am now disgusted at the sorry apology for a newspaper that this organ has become.

41

Jeeemy,

St Andrews 28/08/2008 09:50:09
Oh! Come on you lot get with it Chris Hoy and all the others got where they are because of the facilities built in the UK as the result of these facilities build for the Commonwealth games.
Chris started velodrome cycling at the roofless one built in Edinburgh; I ask you what pillock designed and built a roofless facility in Scotland and expected it to last?

Manchester managed to do things slightly better and as a result of which British Cycling operate out of Manchester. The location of other sports elite are based where alongside other sports elite, create a nucleus and this will attract like minded to locate alongside.
Using Scotland as your starting line start listing the locations of the facilities in Scotland; where we could expand to provide the elite to be based.
Then perhaps we may yet get some tangible investment in to the grass roots of sport in Scotland and get the media away from spectator sport to participation sport now is the time to get started.

Chris Hoy’s request from Scotland after he won his three gold medals, was for Scotland to start and provide grass roots facilities in-order that the opportunity be given for all our youngsters to try out all the sports that are available out there
42

Senga Jean,

28/08/2008 09:58:35
#40 I too read the international press and am amazed at how the Scotsman reports or doesn't report to suit its Unionist agenda. I want the FACTS so that I can make up my own mind.
43

,

28/08/2008 09:59:25
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
44

Neil Waugh,

28/08/2008 10:15:07
According to the Times piece the Scotsman's money angel.

The publisher raised £204 million from investors in the first half, largely from Ananda Krishnan, the Malaysian billionaire, who is now a 20 per cent shareholder in the group

With this dude now calling the shots at the Hootsman, I wonder where he stands on the indy question.
Ananda Krishnan - crazy name, crazy guy.
45

inkster,

28/08/2008 10:21:36
Apolgies if this has already been in, but this came from last weekend's Sunday Times:

"THE struggling newspaper group Johnston Press will this week will be stung by a £100m-plus impairment charge and is expected to scrap its interim dividend as it closes in on selecting a new chief executive.

The company will write off more than 20% of the value of four acquisitions made in 2005 after a review found that future cash flows would be less than expected. Titles bought during a £475m acquisition drive include The Scotsman, Belfast News Letter and Leinster Leader in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Australian Alan Revell has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Tim Bowdler who retires as Johnston’s chief executive later this year.

Revell has been without a job since leaving Associated Northcliffe Digital, where he was responsible for knitting together the Daily Mail group’s online activities.
Related Links
Grim news for Scotsman and The Herald
Local newspapers fall out of investor favour

Johnston chairman Roger Parry has been seeking someone with extensive digital experience as the company has been slow to anticipate the shift of advertising online.

Revell was formerly publisher and editor-in-chief of the Sydney Morning Herald.

“The process is going well and when we get a candidate signed off we will announce it,” said Parry.

Bowdler, who was paid £1.1m last year, will reveal the write-down on Wednesday and confirm that the advertising market continues to weaken. Analysts expect Johnston to take a view on the dividend payout at the year-end.

The company flagged the impairment in May, when it warned it might breach banking covenants. Based on March assumptions, the figure was expected to be £55m, but it has since risen because of weak trading. US news group Gannett, which owns The Herald in Glasgow, warned last week that classified and property advertising was still plunging.

Malaysian tycoon Ananda Krishnan bought a 20% stake in Johnston
46

Alan B,

28/08/2008 10:50:38
Will be good if the snp laughter labour and Brown resigns so that politics can move on. Watching Brown is like watching the last yrs of the major government.
47

Ananurhing,

28/08/2008 10:57:51
Interesting that the election could be held the day after Guy Fawkes day.
Broon might succeed where Fawkes failed. Fawkes's declared intention was to " blow the Scots back up to Scotland."
The plot thickens!
48

MacGillicuddy,

28/08/2008 11:10:59
If Lindsay Roy is the best Liebour can up with, then Peter Grant will romp home!
49

MacGillicuddy,

28/08/2008 11:12:49
#36 and posts passim.
You keep forgetting to add the BNP bit to your call to vote for UKIP-BNP.

You'll be having your Glenrothes rally in a phonebox then?
50

Yeah1,

28/08/2008 11:42:43
#34

"Now that Sean Connery has retired from film making wouldn't it be a laugh if he could be persuaded to come home and stand against Gordon Brown at the next General Election."

It would certainly be of interest but lets face it - its not going to happen.

Considering Connery hasn't lived at 'home' for 50 years I very much doubt he's going to return now, not when he has his luxury, tax-free lifestyle in the Bahamas.
51

Resolutions,

28/08/2008 12:20:40
A Halloween Election?

Neeps, pumpkins(for US of A ditto trick and treat!)Spells, potions, party of the night FORFEITS

(And before they mess with the clocks isn't it?)

Oh Grrrrrrrrreeeeeaaaaat! Brillllllll!!!!



52

pehman,

sussex 28/08/2008 12:25:08

maggie's putting this off till after hes been sacked at the blab conference
53

"Hoots" Fandango,

28/08/2008 12:27:13
50 Yeah1

"Considering Connery hasn't lived at 'home' for 50 years I very much doubt he's going to return now, not when he has his luxury, tax-free lifestyle in the Bahamas"

Would you? According to a recent survey,

"The most sparsely populated county in Wales is where you will find Britain's happiest place, say researchers.

Powys tops the list of 273 districts, with Edinburgh apparently the most miserable place in Britain."

54

G,

dundy 28/08/2008 12:33:47
Come on all you SNPites... this date gives the SNP ministers plenty of time to FIX their diaries so they can be visiting this constituency on govt business during the election campaign rather than doing their jobs and serving their country...two sides to every story.....
55

G,

Bridgefoot 28/08/2008 12:35:27
#53

Edinburgh the most miserable place in Britain??
Yeah you're probably right they;re always moaning about something...too many tourists, too few tourists...
56

The Spook in Leith,

28/08/2008 14:13:36
#39 Niko

"Chris is pointing out he only managed to win his medals due to the facilities provided by the 'Unionists' and if the nationalist wish to do the same they best ensure adequate funding."

I can read you know and i 150% agree with Chris Hoy. Im a Scotland fan (football) and whilst we do have our own national football team i still think Scotlands footballing facilities are nothing short of being substandard.

My post was only pointing out Chris Hoy,s opinion on the idea of a Scottish Olympic team.
57

The Spook in Leith,

28/08/2008 14:19:47
#55

"Edinburgh the most miserable place in Britain??"

I was born in Edinburgh and love the city to bits but compared to Glaswegians we are a bit miserable, on saying that i tend to think most of the miserable people in Edinburgh have English accents, honest i do, i go out with one..
58

FLUB,

a rocky outcrop in eastern central Scotland 28/08/2008 14:37:36
#57 - Spook - you'll not be going out with her (or him) for much longer!
59

Queen D,

Glasgow 28/08/2008 14:51:35
A little piece on the back page of the Herald about the demise of the Johnston press and its wee financial difficulties , all denied by the chap Tim Bowdler.

Young Spook, calling your English lady friend miserable is no way to further the relationship!
60

brownlie,

28/08/2008 15:32:25
57 The Spook

More miserable than your lady friend, with the guide-dog, is getting gubbed by Morton and a dodgy ref.
61

The Spook in Leith,

28/08/2008 15:38:41
#58

Oh please, she is a her lol..

#59.. Your correct but she don't half moan at times..

#60 Ah but brownlie results went our way yesterday did they not ? 4-3 on penalties hee hee...Airdrie..oops that's a bad word.. Talking of miserable, maybe that's why Edinburgh is miserable we have 2 of our top flight clubs out of the cup..
62

Truely English,

28/08/2008 17:40:38
So the Scots vote against things and not for them. If this is correct, then we can expect that if a referendum is ever called in Scotland on Independence those who are against will win the day.

It must give those who are in favour of retaining Britain as one entity a lot of pleasure to know this is the way Scots think.

Are you for something . No I'm against it. Never voted in that way ever.
63

ExpatBackinScotland,

Carnoustie 28/08/2008 18:20:21
When voting, good people of Glenrothes, ask not what the Union can do for you, but what the union has done to your country.

Sent your kids to die in am illegal war
Life expectancy in Glasgow less than Gaza, India or any western country
Put floating atomic bombs within reach of your house (Faslane).
Lied about the wealth of your nation, while your countrymen remain poor.
Sky High petrol prices from YOUR oil.

and more.

Now, ask yourself what our children and their children to come need us to do for a better scotland.: be indpendent.

then reflect on this and think "if all of this is a benefit of the union, why oh why do we let ourselves stay in it".

Its time.
64

Yok Finney,

Ross-shire 28/08/2008 19:59:51
We, the people, must understand what we're voting for. 2010 seems a reasonable date for a referendum. Here in the electrosmogfilled backroom of scottish politics, I hope this winter will be a good time for thinking and fresh air. As a commercial fisherman before we became "TV rockstars", I'd say 2009 is doable and we'd better bring it forward.

I don't exagerate like I should do. Excite with the drama. We're staring (gormlessly as is our fashion) into planetary ecological catastrophy!

I have no bolt holes or underground bunkers. This little Nation of Scotland, which is now a human concept (not about race or ethnics) has to emerge; show our way !

I may go down with this planet of ours, but never in disgrace!
65

wattie>x 1,

PLYMOUTH 28/08/2008 20:12:34
Is there to be no end to the depth of skulduggery and political depravity these sleazy, lying and corrupt New Labour Party champagne socialists will descend too ?
Where have most of them disappeared too over the past few weeks? If the dis-united UK can do without them for so long, why shouldn't we have the democratic right to remove them now lock, stock and barrel into permanent oblivion?
66

danielrober,

28/08/2008 20:26:32
# 64 Yok Finney,Ross-shire

2010 is a terrible date for a vote on such an important issue as separation.

Even Germany (europes largest economy) is in the process of delaying the full freedom to work for eastern europeans untill 2011, instead of 2009. This is not due to any reason other than the had econmmic reality of a world resession.

Of course that's the real world not Alec.S's with his two parilmentary jobs. 2014 is a sensible date for reasons of JOBS. A job is something normal people do to PAY the bills.

Local elections is one thing SNP, playing with economic lives of millions, when only 4 years can make the differnece is just cruel.
67

Brian Hill,

28/08/2008 23:18:48
The date of Glenrothes won't affect the result one jot. The date will be selected on the grounds of damage limitation for PM Brown and the UK Labour party.

In his brilliantly delivered speech last night 'President' Bill Clinton said the Democrats will win the presidency because
'they were on the right side of history'.

We will win Glenrothes and get a YES vote in the Referendum because we are 'on the right side of history'.

Our time has come, we just need to keep our shoulder to the wheel and keep pushing until we are well over the finishing line.

BTW, have you noticed that within a 2/3 weeks of Glasgow East Newsnight Scotland has been discussing everything other than the SNP and certainly nothing about Glenrothes?

Tonight it's Lockerbie and the potential loss of two Titian master pieces from the National Gallery.
68

morris,

edinburgh 28/08/2008 23:40:00
67
Brian Hill,
28/08/2008 23:18:48

It is interesting that Labour think that a delay would help their cause. So far dithering has cost Gordon Brown any chance of salvaging anything,and one wonders what could possibly happen between now and Glenrothes to improve his lot?
I can understand that he assumes things can only get better,largely based upon the assumption that they cannot get any worse,but so far its proved to be the biggest mistake possible!

Does he think that if there is a long campaign and his activists canvas every door that he can save this?
He will need divine intervention to avoid being kicked out at the General Election,so electing Labour even in a bye election would be an incredibly futile gesture by Glenrothes.

FIFE is just not that daft.
Glasgow East understood that its time to embrace change.

I cannot see Glenrothes being any less sensible.

Maybe he thinks that Ian Gray has a master plan!

No It cannot be that. Ian Gray thinks Gordon has a master plan.
It certainly wont be that!

I give up.Why is Gordon delaying the inevitable ?
Hes finished.Labour are finished.
Ian Gray wont even get started!

Any ideas anybody?
69

Brian Hill,

29/08/2008 00:06:44
68 morris, Edinburgh

I think there are four possible reasons for a delay.

1. If he goes now he will lose, however if he waits till late October/November something might turn up for him or befall the SNP.

2. The Lib Dems will get a bit of a bounce from their new leader. Gordon may feel that given time the Lib Dems may just build up a big enough head of steam to take sufficient votes from the SNP to let Labour back in.

3. If Gordon has a particularly good conference and everyone rallies round him in preparation for the by election he may feel his Premiership would be safer in the event of a defeat in Glenrothes.

4. The US Election would be just after a 30th of October election and just before an early November election which will occupy media time which might otherwise be aimed at his leadership and be a major boost to Alex and the SNP.
70

Truth Teller www.oilofscotland.org,

Glasgow 01/09/2008 17:47:29
I wonder if Willie Sullivan considers himself as being set up as a "Lamb for the Slaughter" by Gordon Brown who intends secretly lead his party for Kirkcaldy. The question is is their enough hotels in Glenrothes to put up all the Labour MP's and MSP's in the Country that he is likely to force to go to Scotland like he did for the Glasgow East by-election.

The problem for us Scot's is that Scotland discovered oil and since then we have been insulted, lied to, defrauded, had or funds raided and our marine borders moved from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Carnoustie. In 1999 the secret Westminster order turned 6,000 miles of Scottish sea in English Ocean. Which means when you play golf at St Andrews and look out to sea, you are looking at English Waters. We are also getting less money than we are entitled to as the GERS reports that analysis the figures are totally inaccurate - check out the full analysis of the 2005 and 2006 reports, available online as well as the classified and unclassified TOP SECRET McCrone Oil Report on Scotland's economy and future prospects.

visit http://www.oilofscotland.org for full details)
71

cabrach loon,

inverness 06/09/2008 09:20:16
#70 should not the clock be put right back and the border made at Hadrian's Wall, most certainly though Berwick should have been returned to Scotland with the Union of the Crowns.
72

Truth Teller www.oilofscotland.org,

www.glenrothesbyelection.co.uk 05/10/2008 22:50:19
for the latest news on this election 06/11/2008 visit www.glenrothesbyelection.co.uk

 

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