By-election

Campaigning today (Saturday) on energy prices in Glenrothes, the SNP challenged Gordon Brown to come to the constituency himself to explain why fuel poor households are getting no direct help with rising energy costs this winter - instead of sending a proxy, as in the new Labour leader in Scotland.

The SNP victor in the Glasgow East by-election John Mason MP - has challenged Gordon Brown to take immediate action to tackle rising food and fuel prices as he promised to do so in the wake of the SNP's stunning victory.

As reports suggest that Gordon Brown will handpick a candidate for the by-election, Tricia Marwick MSP says only the SNP offer a positive future for Fife.

SNP Candidate for Glasgow East Cllr John Mason today said “the wheels have come off Labour’s campaign before they’ve even picked a candidate” after the SNP Government guaranteed concessionary bus fares for older and disabled people.

Following the confirmation of the Glasgow East by-election on 24th July, Alex Salmond has branded the decision to hold the contest during Glasgow fair, the traditional holiday season, as "blind panic" by a crumbling Labour Party.