Dunfermline & West Fife by-election 2006

'Yet another Scottish MP to vote on English affairs albeit from a Lib Dem stance.' Alan Crowhurst in the Daily Mail, 10 th February 2006.

Lib Dems in shock by-election win

From the Daily Mail 10 th February 2006

Liberal Democrats have gained Dunfermline and West Fife from Labour in a bombshell by-election result in Chancellor Gordon Brown's backyard. After a bruising campaign, candidate Willie Rennie took the seat with a 1,800 majority on a 16.24 per cent swing. Mr Rennie, is a former chief executive of the Scottish Liberal Democrats and an account director for a firm advising charities and businesses. He was runner up in the Scottish Coal-Carrying Championship. The result is a blow for Mr Brown who sits for next door Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath and represented some areas of Dunfermline and West Fife before boundary changes last year. He campaigned strongly in the by-election, intervening on the issue of Forth bridge tolls. However, the outcome is a boost for Lib Dem leadership contender Sir Menzies Campbell who represents nearby North East Fife. It comes despite the turmoil in the party after resignation of former leader Charles Kennedy. At last May's General Election, the late Rachel Squire won the seat for Labour with a 11,562. Following his victory, Mr Rennie said the voters had "sent a powerful message to the Labour Government that will rock the foundations of Downing Street. "This is truly a historic victory. Thanks to the people of Dunfermline and West Fife - I will not let you down."