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Labour by-election tip pulls out Labour by-election tip pulls out
(10 minutes later)
Labour has delayed selection of a candidate for the Glasgow East by-election after the leading contender failed to turn up for a party meeting.Labour has delayed selection of a candidate for the Glasgow East by-election after the leading contender failed to turn up for a party meeting.
Shettleston Councillor George Ryan has now officially withdrawn from the contest after missing the selection meeting on Friday night.Shettleston Councillor George Ryan has now officially withdrawn from the contest after missing the selection meeting on Friday night.
The party will hold a meeting to choose a candidate on Monday.The party will hold a meeting to choose a candidate on Monday.
The by-election on 24 July was triggered when Labour MP David Marshall stood down earlier in the week.The by-election on 24 July was triggered when Labour MP David Marshall stood down earlier in the week.
It was one of the safest Labour seats in Scotland at the last election, with a majority of more than 13,500 over the SNP.
By-election resultsBy-election results
It was one of the safest Labour seats in Scotland at the last election, with a majority of more than 13,500 over the SNP.
The constituency also had the highest Labour vote share in the city at the General Election.The constituency also had the highest Labour vote share in the city at the General Election.
However, the party faces a tough fight after disastrous by-election results at Crewe and Nantwich and Henley, as well as the resignation of Wendy Alexander from the leadership of the Scottish Labour party.However, the party faces a tough fight after disastrous by-election results at Crewe and Nantwich and Henley, as well as the resignation of Wendy Alexander from the leadership of the Scottish Labour party.
An SNP spokesperson said: "Labour are not only leaderless in Scotland they have no candidate for this crucial by-election and their prime minister is refusing to come to Glasgow East and meet the people feeling the pinch from his policies.
"Labour's campaign is in disarray."
Mr Marshall, 67, is stepping down after almost 30 years in the House of Commons.Mr Marshall, 67, is stepping down after almost 30 years in the House of Commons.
Labour must choose a candidate before Wednesday's deadline for nominations.Labour must choose a candidate before Wednesday's deadline for nominations.
It is thought Labour MSP Margaret Curran, who has been tipped as a possible Scottish party leader, could put herself forward.It is thought Labour MSP Margaret Curran, who has been tipped as a possible Scottish party leader, could put herself forward.
Labour's campaign is in disarray SNP spokesperson
An SNP spokesperson said: "Labour are not only leaderless in Scotland they have no candidate for this crucial by-election and their prime minister is refusing to come to Glasgow East and meet the people feeling the pinch from his policies.
"Labour's campaign is in disarray."
A Liberal Democrat spokesman said: "This shows that the Labour Party has entirely lost its way.
"Nobody knows what they stand for anymore and therefore it is no surprise that they are finding it difficult to find a candidate."
Glasgow councillor John Mason has been chosen to represent the SNP.Glasgow councillor John Mason has been chosen to represent the SNP.
Maths teacher Ian Robertson will represent the Lib Dems.Maths teacher Ian Robertson will represent the Lib Dems.
The Conservative candidate is Davena Rankin and the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) has chosen former MSP, Frances Curran.The Conservative candidate is Davena Rankin and the Scottish Socialist Party (SSP) has chosen former MSP, Frances Curran.
Solidarity announced that firebrand politician Tommy Sheridan would not be standing.Solidarity announced that firebrand politician Tommy Sheridan would not be standing.
There was speculation that the former MSP would be selected to fight the Westminster seat for the left-wing party which he founded.There was speculation that the former MSP would be selected to fight the Westminster seat for the left-wing party which he founded.
But the party announced local woman Tricia McLeish had been selected unopposed.But the party announced local woman Tricia McLeish had been selected unopposed.