Ayr by-election 2000

saltire shield'It is understood senior party members will not block Mr Smith's name appearing next week on the shortlist of candidates for the crucial by-election in March.'
Alison Hardie in the Scotsman, 15 th January 2000.		Lion Rampant

Labour Ayr shortlist drawn up

From BBC News Scotland

Labour has announced a three-strong shortlist for the Ayr by-election to the Scottish Parliament.

The list comprises John Baillie, the leader of South Ayrshire council; Claudia Beamish, a supply teacher and Rita Miller, an Ayrshire councillor.

It was drawn up by the Scottish Executive but the final choice will be made by the local Labour party in Ayr.

The exclusion of MEP Alex Smith will infuriate left-wingers with warnings that the Scottish Socialists could gain as a consequence.

Labour won the seat last May with a majority of just 25 over the Tories. The contest is due to be held in mid-March.

21 st January 2000


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