Voters in Glasgow North East will be without an MP for a record length of time SNP research confirmed. The news comes as SNP MSP for Glasgow, Anne McLaughlin lodges a motion in the Scottish Parliament expressing concern over the failure of the UK Labour Government to move the writ for the Glasgow North East by-election, leaving the constituency without representation at Westminster for four months.

SNP research reveals that by failing to move the writ for the by-election before the parliamentary recess, Labour are leaving the constituency without an MP for a record breaking length of time.

The longest interval since 1979, between a Member demitting office and the writ being moved, is currently 113 days. This occurred in South Antrim after Clifford Forsythe MP passed away in 2000. After Mr Forsythe died on 27th April, the writ was issued on 18th August (during the recess) and the by-election was held on 21 September.

The earliest date the writ can now be moved is October 12th – 114 days since former Commons Speaker Michael Martin stood down as MP for Glasgow North East.

Commenting, campaign coordinator Stewart Hosie MP said:

"This record poll delay truly takes the biscuit, and Labour’s attempts to fob-off people in Glasgow just won’t wash. With this record beating delay, Labour are putting politics before people.

"The community faces serious challenges with the threat of job losses at Diageo and the closure of local schools by the Labour council. Now, more than ever, people in Glasgow North East need an MP to stand up for local interests.

"Labour had the chance to set an early date for the election last week, but the party objected and voted against giving people in Glasgow their say."

SNP Glasgow North East candidate, David Kerr, added:

"Labour are clearly running scared of voters in Glasgow North East – after the Norwich North result Labour are clearly worried about what people in Glasgow will have to say about their record in the city.

"People in Scotland know that it is the SNP who have delivered real benefits for them and their family and are helping them out in the hard times by freezing the council tax, delivering a record number of police officers, restoring free education, reducing business rates, and abolishing prescription charges."

Note:

1. The text of Anne McLaughlin MSP’s Motion is set out below:

SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT MOTION

Date of Lodging: 27 July 2009

Short Title: Voice for Glasgow North East S3M-04630 Anne McLaughlin (Glasgow) (SNP): That the Parliament notes with concern and disappointment that residents of the Glasgow North East Westminster constituency will be without representation in the UK Parliament for up to four months; recognises that, in stark contrast, voters in Norwich North elected a new MP after only 48 days, and believes that the people of Glasgow North East deserve the same representation in the UK Parliament as any other constituency and require a strong voice at all times, especially when the community is facing major job losses at the Port Dundas Diageo distillery.