 | 'Liberal Democrat Linda Gorn has become the latest candidate to be embroiled in accusations of 'dirty tricks' in the increasingly bitter by-election battle in Moray. Her campaign team was accused of behaving like 'snake-oil salesmen' by the editor of the area's weekly newspaper, over claims that a leaflet appeared to suggest that the paper was supporting Ms Gorn's candidature.' Frank Urquhart in the Scotsman 19 th April 2006. |  |
The Scottish Liberal Democrats yesterday set out their stall to capture the Moray seat in Holyrood with a pledge to campaign on local issues.
Their candidate, Linda Gorn, announced she would focus on education, health services and transport to put Moray on the map.
Flanked by party big-hitters, including Scottish party president Malcolm Bruce and Transport Minister Tavish Scott, Mrs Gorn said at her campaign launch in Elgin that the Lib Dems were in the contest to win.
The Moray by-election, which will be held on April 27, was caused by the death two weeks ago of Margaret Ewing.
Mrs Gorn, who stays at Keith, said: "Top of my agenda will be to fight for a smart, successful Moray. I will campaign to get the best for our schools. The futures of our local children and the future of Moray's economy depend on our schools and colleges being able to provide a skilled workforce. The Liberal Democrats are on the way up in Moray and the by-election comes hot on the heels of our sensational victory in Dunfermline and West Fife."
Mr Bruce dismissed claims by the SNP and Tories that the election was a two-horse race. He said: "It suits other parties to say it is a two-horse race but this is not true. We have the capacity to come from third or even fourth place to win."
The SNP are not far in front and, of the three parties close behind, we have made the greatest advances."
Mr Scott said Mrs Gorn was "an outstanding candidate" and able to advocate the skills needed in Moray.
Mother-of-two Mrs Gorn, 57, previously stood in elections for Westminster and the Scottish Parliament in 2001, 2003 and 2005.
A report yesterday stated that Ms Scanlon would move to the Inverness area if she won the by-election. The report should have said she would move to the Moray area from Inverness, where she currently lives.
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