 | 'I think the formula (Barnett) is discriminatory. In Scotland, the formula looks fair and generous but that is because it is generous to Scotland. From our point of view in the Northern region, it looks less than fair and generous.' Labour MP, Peter Mandelson, in Scotland on Sunday, 29 th April 2001. |  |
Mr Galbraith's former Strath-kelvin and Bearsden seat was Labour's safest in the Scottish parliament. Despite some claims that he had been parachuted into the seat by Labour chiefs in London, Brian Fitzpatrick seems well placed to keep a seat won by Mr Galbraith from Michael Hirst, then a Tory high flier, in 1987.
Alex Salmond, the former SNP leader, precipitated the Scottish parliamentary by- election in Banff and Buchan when he decided to opt for a Westminster seat rather than continue as an MSP.
The seat was once represented by the colourful Tory, Bob Boothby, but is now regarded as safe SNP territory.
Stewart Stevenson, the SNP candidate, is a friend and former driver for Mr Salmond. Originally, he was to run for Westminster but the two men changed places when Mr Salmond decided to give up his Holyrood seat.
STRATHKELVIN & BEARSDEN: Charles Ferguson (C) Brian Fitzpatrick (Lab) John Morrison (LD) Janet Law (SNP) Jean Turner (Ind) Electorate 62,836 1999 Lab maj 12,121 (28.59%) - Turnout 42,390 (67.17%) Galbraith (Lab) 21,505 (50.73%); McLeod (SNP) 9384 (22.14%); Ferguson (C) 6934 (16.36%); Howarth (LD) 4144 (9.78%) Richards (Anti-Drug) 423 (1.00%).
BANFF & BUCHAN: Edward Brocklebank (C) Megan Harris (Lab) Canon Kenyon Wright (LD) Stewart Stevenson (SNP) Peter Anderson (SSP) Electorate 56,610 1999 SNP maj 11.292 (35.58%) - Turnout 31,734 (55.06%) Salmond (SNP) 16,695 (52.61%); Davidson (C) 5403 (17.03%); Mackie (LD) 5315 (16.75%); Harris (Lab) 4321 (13.62%).
-June 7 th
Return to home page