Ayr by-election 2000

'This is proof there is a God and he must be a Tory.'
Stephen Norris, 6 th March 2000, upon hearing about Ken Livingston's candidacy for London Mayor as an Independent.

Reid seeks to calm Labour waters

From BBC News

John Reid says disunity plays into opponents' hands.
The Scottish secretary has called for unity after two MPs publicly criticised Donald Dewar's leadership of the Labour Party in Scotland.

Dr John Reid tried to focus attention on Labour's campaign in the Scottish Parliament's first by-election, which takes place in Ayr on 16 March.

The poll, and Labour's performance, is being seen as an test of public opinion on the performance so far of Mr Dewar as head of the government in Scotland and the Scottish Executive.

After a visit to Ayr by Tory leader William Hague, the prime minister heads north later this week to bolster the campaign. He will also address MSPs in the parliament.

Speaking on BBC Scotland's Holyrood programme on Sunday, outspoken Glasgow Kelvin Labour MP George Galloway said:"Maybe there's a need for someone younger, hungrier, leaner and fitter.

"Someone who has not been there and done it all, as he apparently has in his political life. I think it's the best thing for the country, the parliament and the Labour party if Donald can get a grip."

'Positive story'

His comments followed criticism of Mr Dewar by another Glasgow MP, Ian Davidson, who said the first minister's leadership of the Scottish Executive was "reminiscent of the worst days of the John Major government".

Dr Reid responded on Monday: "It is vital that the party in Scotland concentrates its efforts on supporting Labour's candidate in the Ayr by-election and getting across the positive story about what a Labour government is doing to reduce unemployment and poverty and the help we are giving to working families and pensioners.

"Disunity and division merely plays into the hands of those who seek to do down Labour's achievements in Scotland.

"While people are entitled to their views, individuals must remember that only a united party can ask for the support of the electorate."

The Scottish National Party stepped up its efforts to exploit the MPs' comments. Deputy leader John Swinney MSP said: "Labour are panicking as the SNP surge, and draw neck-and-neck with them in the polls.

"The SNP are ahead of Labour among young people, among elderly people, and increasingly throughout Scotland.

Vote 'meltdown'

"Labour's core vote is in meltdown. Their senior politicians are falling out and attacking each other in public, forcing this reaction from John Reid.

"But this is a weak statement - which suggests that John Reid doesn't take attacks on Donald Dewar by Westminster Labour MPs all that seriously."

Labour is defending a majority of 25 votes in Ayr, the narrowest in the parliament, after the resignation of Ian Welsh.

7 th March 2000

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