SNP CHALLENGE UK LABOUR GOVERNMENT OVER BY-ELECTION DATE.

SNP CHALLENGE UK LABOUR GOVERNMENT OVER BY-ELECTION DATE.

KERR CALLS FOR CONSTITUENCY TO HAVE ITS SAY,

Campaigning in the Glasgow North Eastconstituency today (Saturday), SNP
Depute Leader and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Glasgow
North East candidate David Kerr challenged Labour to set the by-election
date before Westminster goes into recess on Tuesday.

It is now sixty days since the former MP, Speaker Michael Martin announced
he was standing down but still no by-election date has been set.

In contrast, Labour MP Iain Gibson resigned his Norwich North seat on 5th
June 2009 and the by-election will be held this Thursday – 48 days later.

In 2008, in the neighbouring constituency of Glasgow East, the by-election
was held on July 24th – just 26 days after David Marshall stood down.

Campaigning during Glasgow Fair David Kerr said:

“I'm deeply honoured to be given the chance to serve the people of Glasgow
North East. I'll be working flat out between now and polling day to earn
their trust – whenever Labour have the courage to call the by-election.

“Labour has until Tuesday to get their house in order, to move the writ and
to call a by-election or the people of Glasgow North East will be left for
five months without Westminster representation.

“This is one of only two constituencies to lose their MP as a result of
Labour’s handling of Westminster’s expenses scandal. Voters in Norwich
will have their say on Thursday, in Glasgow Labour expect people to wait
until November - they are taking voters for granted.

“With local schools set to close and the threat of job losses at Port
Dundas, a voice for this constituency is vital.

“Instead of facing up to the test and calling the by-election Labour seem
to want to run and hide.

"My family first settled here in the 19th century and lived here for
generations. In fact, growing up, my first home was on Duke Street in
Dennistoun.

"Labour has held this seat since 1935. They've had their chance and have
failed. It's time for a change. It's time for the SNP."

Joining Mr Kerr on the campaign trail, Nicola Sturgeon MSP added:

“The SNP has a strong record in Glasgow and the SNP Scottish Government is
working hard to protect jobs and communities in Glasgow North East through
this recession with investment in skills and training as well as more
police and funding for local services while Labour is shutting the schools
that have formed the heart of communities for decades.

“Whatever Labour do, and whenever they call the by-election, I am
confident that by working together the SNP and the people of Glasgow North
East have what it takes to see this community thrive.”