LABOUR RUNNING SCARED IN KILMARNOCK

LABOUR RUNNING SCARED IN KILMARNOCK

ANOTHER MSP TRIES TO JUMP FROM GRAY'S SINKING SHIP

Commenting on reports that Labour MSP Cathy Jamieson is to attempt to stand for the Kilmarnock & Loudoun seat in the approaching Westminster elections the SNP Westminster Group whip Stewart Hosie MP said:

“The SNP has been ready for this election since October 2007 and the latest polls have put us in the strongest position in the party's history going into a General Election. That Labour has to seek an MSP as a candidate in Kilmarnock & Loudoun only looks like they are running scared.

“What a contrast with 1997 when she failed to secure the candidacy in a short list of NINE people including TWO Ayrshire council leaders, the previous MP’s election agent and a sitting MP who had lost out in the selection battle in his own seat.

"We are taking nothing for granted in Kilmarnock & Loudon but under Iain Gray and Jim Murphy Labour in Scotland is now looking like it is devoid of any fresh talent for Westminster. That an MSP opts to try and stand for Westminster begs questions of how unhappy the crew must be in Iain Gray's Holyrood ship.

"Cathy Jamieson was demoted from her health position and this has all the hall marks of another Labour MSP voting with their feet against Iain Gray's Holyrood leadership.

"It also drives a coach and horses through the Kelly recommendations which seek to end dual mandates. 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.

"Whilst Labour looks like it is simply focussed on political survival at the next Westminster elections the SNP are focussed on an agenda of jobs and economic recovery.

"Labour may say those issues are irrelevant as they indulge in panicked attacks on the SNP but we will be aiming at creating a successful Scotland as we leave this recession - not repeating the mistakes Labour have made."

Local Kilmarnock & Loudoun SNP MSP Willie Coffey added:

"Clearly Labour is in turmoil when they can't find a fresh local candidate in the whole of Kilmarnock and Loudoun to try and hang on to their seat for them.

“Obviously things have changed for the better with an SNP council and Scottish Government when the Labour party they have to plead with an MSP representing a basically different constituency shows what state they are in."