FURTHER EMBARRASSMENT FOR GRAY AS MINISTER QUITS FRONT BENCH

FURTHER EMBARRASSMENT FOR GRAY AS MINISTER QUITS FRONT BENCH

"LABOUR DISARRAY OVER DUAL MANDATES"

Commenting on the announcement that Labour MSP Cathy Jamieson is to stand
down from Labour's front bench in order to attempt to stand for the
Kilmarnock & Loudoun seat in the approaching Westminster elections, the
SNP Westminster Group Chief Whip Stewart Hosie MP said:

"This is a further blow and embarrassment for Iain Gray. Labour is clearly
rattled and Gray's leadership is being quickly undermined.

"Cathy Jamieson's hypocritical decision to seek a new dual mandate also
blows apart Labour's commitment to the recommendations of the Kelly
Report. Unlike the First Minister, Cathy Jamieson gave no indication in
the 2007 elections to the voters of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley that
she would seek election to the next Westminster Parliament.

"Labour's disarray brings into sharp focus the fact that they are only
concerned about their political survival, while the SNP are focussed on a
positive agenda of jobs and economic recovery."