Candidates and Constituency Assessments

'A Scottish MP has caused a row at Westminster after comparing First Minister Alex Salmond to Adolf Hitler. Ann Moffat, Labour MP for East Lothian, made the comment during a debate on the Scottish election fiasco.' BBC News, 23 rd May 2007.

East Lothian

Candidates

	Anne Moffat (Picking) MP
	Labour
	Known as 'Mad Moffat', East Lothian's MP Anne Moffat (elected as Anne Picking in 2001) is a former presdient of the trades union Unison, who was born in Dunfermline in 1958 and educated at the town's Woodmill High School. She worked as a nurse in Kent and was a Labour councillor on Ashford Burgh Council from 1990 until 2000. She was parachuted in by the public service union Unison as candidate for East Lothian in 2001. This was a surprise to local Labour activists and electors as Moffat was, and remains, largely unknown in the constituency with the exception of the news of her latest scandals. These rival the convoluted plots involving any soap opera villain and prove that fact is indeed stranger than fiction. In Moffat's first parliamentary term she had the poorest voting record of any Scottish MP and was described as 'a shadowy and highly elusive character who reputedly succeeded John Home Robertson as MP for East Lothian in 2001'. Her election agent made no attempt to justify her prolonged disappearances, merely writing in the East Lothian Courier that the then Ms Picking was not available. To this day, nobody knows how Moffat spent her time when she was being paid to represent the people of East Lothian. In 2003, it was alleged that Moffat allowed her brother to live in her taxpayer-funded London flat while she lived elsewhere. It was also alleged that Moffat had employed her son for 'questionable' work, and that she 'paid staff £2000 bonuses then took a £500 kickback from them'. In 2005, Moffat split the local party when she sacked three staff, only settling one dispute a year later on the eve of a 'potentially embarrassing' employment tribuneral. In March 2006 the chairman and a number of activists of East Lothian Constituency Labour Party resigned over the scandal surrounding Moffat's £148,818 expense claims, including £39,744 for travel. This was more than any other Member of Parliament in the whole of the United Kingdom, and twice that of neighbouring Labour MP for Midlothian, David Hamilton, while Orkney & Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael claimed just £27,366. On the 22 nd March 2005, East Lothian Green candidate Michael Collie told the Evening News: 'Like many in East Lothian, I was incredulous at how much Mrs Picking had claimed. And she has steadfastly refused to proffer any meaningful explanation, or to put the details in the public domain. Until we see the facts, there must remain the suspicion that, at the very least, she has been profligate with the public purse. 'With an election on the horizon it is in no-oneÕs interest that this matter should be allowed to fester and to become an election issue - as surely it will if it is not disposed of in the interim. For that reason I made an application under the Freedom of Information Act for a breakdown of Mrs PickingÕs expenses. 'They declined to provide the information, claiming that it was Ôpersonal informationÕ and as such fell under the protection of the Data Protection Act.' However, Collie's persistence resulted in an investigation by Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Sir Philip Mawer. In September 2006, Richard Thomas, the Information Commissioner, ruled that Moffat's travel expenses should be made public. However, these were not made available until November 2007, after the MP lost a two year battle to attempt to cover up the highest travel expenses claim for any MP in the UK between 2003 and 2004. Moffat claimed £9,792 in rail fares over the 12-month period, including £7,211 for journeys from London to 'Glasgow or Edinburgh', an average of £277 for each journey. According to the Sunday Herald, a standard return in 2007 costs just £91. Mofatt also claimed £1,817 in rail fares for 42 trips between Heathrow and Central London, with each ticket averaging £43 whereas in 2007, according to the Sunday Herald, a standard 'open return' between the airport and King's Cross station costs just £13.60 and a 'first open return' just £18.00. In addition to claiming £22,000 in rail and air travel, Moffat claimed £12,289 in mileage costs for 24,129 miles of travel - the equivalent of 66 miles every single day of the year, or three journeys each day of the year from her home in Cockenzie to Edinburgh airport. Moffat has been an enthusiastic cheer leader for the bloody and illegal Iraq war and was a personal favourite of ex Prime Minister Tony Blair. On the 2 nd May 2007, Moffat asked UK Prime Minister Tony Blair at Prime Minister's Question Time. 'Does my right hon. Friend share my growing concern about the seeming acceptability of taking cannabis and the fact that it can lead to mental health problems? Does he know how to grow one's own dope - plant a Scottish nationalist?' Blair replied 'My hon. (sic) Friend makes her point very well.' On the 23 rd May 2007, Moffat, who looked like she had enjoyed a liquid lunch, compared First Minister the Rt Hon Alex Salmond to Nazi war criminal Adolf Hitler stating 'Proportional representation gave Germany Adolf Hitler and in Scotland to a lesser degree we've had the member for Banff and Buchan.' Many shocked MPs were heard to declare that her remarks were 'outrageous'. Moffat, however insisted that no apology was necessary. A few days later, in a bizarre and extremely suspicious incident, Moffat claimed she was out jogging - apparantly wearing a considerable amount a jewelry, including a pair of diamond earrings - when, the MP insisted, she was mugged by six youths who, she asserted, not only left her unconscious with a broken rib, but also, she claimed, stole all her jewelry and her watch - but, strangely, not her mobile phone. Moffat appeared to drop dark hints that rivals in the ELCLP might have been responsible for the alleged attack, claiming: 'I suppose those that have been nasty towards me politically could have said 'duff her up' or something like that.' However, it has been suggested that Moffat's injuries were possibly the result of a fall, rather than a push. Police have made no arrests, say the investigation is closed, and it has been alleged that they were not convinced by Moffat's claims that she was 'attacked' by 'scum'. In July 2007, an incandescent Moffat stormed out of a meeting of East Lothian Constituency Labour Party after members had voted against her reselection as Labour candidate. Moffat was backed by only two of the six local branches, with three others wanting a contest involving other candidates and Prestonpans branch evenly split. She was only saved by the block vote of the affiliates, in particular the trades unions. In October 2007, it was announced that Scottish Labour general secretary Lesley Quinn had found anomolies with the selection process and that Moffat had failed to respond to her own constituency officials. Therefore Moffat's reselection as the Labour candidate for East Lothian would be the subject of an internal party investigation. Douglas Fraser noted in the Herald that 'This is the first time a sitting MP has faced this threat since Tommy Graham and Ron Brown were ousted from their Renfrewshire and Edinburgh seats, after protracted disputes during the 1990s.' However, the Scotish Labour Party's investigations were merely 'noted' and then overturned by the National Executive in London, who backed Moffat, one of their members. London overruled the Scottish Party and pointedly refused to re-open the selection process, despite complaints from local members, the majority of whom did not support Moffat. The East Lothian Labour activists were then accused by Moffat's Union cronies of 'acting unconstitutionally by defying the national party.' In June 2008, the Executive Committee of East Lothian Constituency Labour Party passed a motion of no confidence in Moffat. The motion stated 'This Party is concerned at Anne Moffat's behaviour and attitude towards the CLP and the members of the Party since the trigger ballot result was announced. She has made unfounded allegations of being bullied and harassed by Party members and has made damaging statements to the media. We believe our MP's conduct and statements have brought the Party into disrepute.' It also called upon Moffat to face a vote of no confidence from local party members. Moffat, a member of Labour's UK National Executive Committee, complained to Colin Smyth, General Secretary of the UK Labour Party, who intervened on her behalf, declaring the local party's democratic motion to be 'unconstitutional'. However, in defiance of the diktat from London, on the 25 th September 2008, the motion was debated at the ELCLP's governing General Committee, which voted to endorse their condemnation of the MP who had brought East Lothian and the Labour party into disrepute. Moffat once again stormed out in the huff, and was furious that local MSP Iain Gray did not walk out in support of her. On the 19 th November 2008, the Labour Party NEC in London suspended the East Lothian Constituency Labour Party for persisting in their democratic attempts to hold an open selection contest. It was later said that the NEC had been misled by Moffat, who had claimed that she was innocent of any wrong doing and that she was being victimised by 'nasty', 'rough' male 'bullies' who could not stand a 'strong woman'. On the 23 rd November, Moffat's assertions were challenged by a female member of ELCLP, who wrote in the Scotsman: 'I've been incensed by Anne Moffat's behaviour since she became an MP - behaviour that would not be acceptable from a woman or a man. She's been challenged privately and done nothing. The local Party thought they could sort things out quietly by just not renominating her but she was saved by trades unions who know nothing about East Lothian. Even since then, the Labour Party has never leaked what the real concerns about her are *beyond the expenses issue* and has kept quiet. 'Ms Moffat is a bully, rude to constituents, and bad at her job. She thinks that if she flings enough dirt at the Party, people won't look to closely at her. Swapping her black leathers for pink, playing the victim and blaming a group of people (many of whom are retired long time party stalwarts, councillors and officials) for bullying her won't wash. Her failure to say they weren't responsible for her mugging http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7419398.stm was desperate. Even the local police have said in public (but not officially) that they're not actively seeking anyone for the attack. 'This charade has gone on long enough. Feminism is let down by poor women who cry 'bullying' when their shortcomings are exposed.' Moffat's relationship with East Lothian Labour Councillors has also been difficult with the MP claiming that her troubles have arisen because Cllrs who were defeated in May 2007 want her seat in parliament. Moffat's latest fantasy scenario ignores the fact that the scandals concerning her behaviour date back to her election in 2001, and not simply to May 2007. Moffat had been defended in public by former Scottish Executive Minister Iain Gray MSP, who was defeated by David McLetchie in Edinburgh Pentlands in 2003 and who contested East Lothian in 2007. Gray scraped in with 35.5 % of the vote and a slashed majority of just 2,448 over the SNP's Andrew Sharp, in what had been Labour's 13th safest seat in 2003, with the SNP in fourth place. However, on the 24 th November 2008, Moffat even lashed out at Iain Gray, accusing the new leader of the Labour group in the Scottish Parliament of associating with 'bullies', 'cowards' and 'nasty people', and claiming he 'made friends with some of the people that are not particularly friendly towards me.' On the 26 th of November a senior Labour insider told the Evening News: 'With what has happened nationally there are no safe Labour seats. We have lost votes over the last few elections and her behaviour means she has lost a lot of support. A lot of party members are not willing to campaign for her and she has done nothing to build bridges.' On the 27 th of November SNP candidate Andrew Sharp commented. 'The real losers in this whole debacle are the people of East Lothian, who have had to watch whilst their MP fights people in her own party for her political life, at the same time as their MSP sits on his hands and doesn't dare say anything. Iain Gray evidently hopes to be First Minister at some point in the future. If he is unable or unwilling to sort out his own constituency party, you've really got to ask whether he'd be capable of running a nation.' On the 29 th of November, a senior Labour figure in East Lothian told the Sunday Herald: 'If the party decides to carry out expulsions then there will be an independent candidate, I can assure you of that. It would be huge. The party would just fall. The biggest casualty in all this would be Iain Gray. At the next Scottish parliament election Iain could lose the seat because his base would be gone. He wouldn't have the backing of the main people within the constituency, because we would be out of the party. His credibility would also fall, because people would look at what was happening in his own party and start asking questions. It's very sad. We're proud to have someone like Iain here. He's a really good MSP.' Ministerial Posts: October 2008 - Parliamentary Private Secretary to Health Minister Alan Johnston MP. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster election, East Lothian, 18,983 votes (47.47 %) (elected) 2001 Westminster election, East Lothian, 17,407 votes (47.21 %) (elected) Ashford Borough Cllr (Kent, England) 1990 - 2000
	Amy Rodger
	Liberal Democrat
	Amy Rodger, was born in 1977 and educated at Glasgow University. She is Scottish director of the Electoral Reform Society. She came out top in a ballot for Lib Dem candidate with a clear majority over rival Stuart Ritchie. The Lib Dems vote had been steadily increasing in East Lothian in past years and they confidently expected to come a close second at the Scottish Parliamentary election in May 2007. However, Lib Dem heavyweight Judy Hayman, National Convenor of the Scottish Lib Dems, limped in a poor third, just 17 votes ahead of the Tories. Meanwhile, the SNP obtained their best ever result in the constituency, coming within 3.55 % of beating Labour with the fourth biggest swing in the whole of Scotland. Recent electoral experience 2005 Westminster Parliament election, Glasgow North, 7,663 votes (27.45 %) 2003 Scottish Parliament election, Second on Lib Dem Glasgow regional list, 14,839 votes (7.64 %) 2001 Westminster Parliament election, Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley, 2,932 votes (7.31 %)
	Andrew Sharp
	Scottish National Party
	Born in 1955, Andrew Sharp was educated at Glasgow High School and Perth Academy, and has a degree in History from Edinburgh University. Married with 2 daughters, he has been an IT professional for 20 years, and now holds a senior position with one of Scotland's most innovative software companies. His interests include computers, UK and US politics, football, rugby, hillwalking and painting. Upon his selection as candidate on the 18 th September 2007 Mr Sharp said: I am overjoyed at being selected to stand for the SNP in East Lothian again. I intend that we build on our great result in the Scottish Elections in May, when we nearly doubled our vote to nearly 10,000, came from fourth place to a very strong second, and established the SNP as the only party in the county which can take on and beat Labour. Labour's majority in 2003 was over 8000; after May, it is less than 2500, and from being a safe stronghold, East Lothian is now a marginal seat. As in May, I will fight a fair and positive campaign, based on the strong record of our Government in Holyrood, and on our outstanding performance in East Lothian Council. Make no mistake, the SNP can never again be accused of being untested in government, and compares very well indeed with the previous Labour and Liberal Democratic administration. We are delivering strong, innovative and massively competent government in Scotland, and are changing the Scottish political landscape through our concentration on positive actions, social justice, and full and frank engagement with the public. I will, during my campaign, hold Labour's record to account; the Iraqi war, poverty in Scotland, nuclear weapons; all will be examined, and our alternatives will be made clear and unambiguous. For my part, I will not descend into personal abuse of my opponents. I will not describe them as 'dopes' or compare them to dictators. Our policies and our record in government will do the talking for the SNP, and will help East Lothian return an SNP Member of Parliament to Westminster at the next General Election.' Mr Sharp added; 'I am committing my political future to East Lothian. The campaign for the next UK General Election starts now.' Recent electoral experience 2007 Scottish Parliament election, East Lothian, 9,771 votes (28.35 %) 2007 Scottish Parliament election, seventh on SNP South of Scotland list, 77,053 votes (27.88 %)
	Michael Veitch
	Conservative & Unionist
	Michael Veitch, 28, is a political researcher specialising in business, transport and rural affairs, having previously worked as a sales executive with Cadbury. Michael previously stood for the Scottish Conservatives in Linlithgow & East Falkirk at the 2005 General Election, where he secured an increase in the vote of almost 3%. In 2007 he stood in his home ward for the elections to East Lothian Council, polling over 1,000 first preference votes and missing out on being elected by just 56 votes. As a resident of East Lothian, Michael is passionate about the constituency, and is determined to fight a campaign focussing on the issues that really matter to local people. Michael has a keen interest in nature and the environment, and enjoys walking in the East Lothian countryside. He is also an active member of a local church, and enjoys watching golf and football. Michael lives in East Lothian with his wife Laura. Recent electoral experience. 2007 East Lothian Council Election, Preston/Seton/Gosford, 1,040 First preference votes, (14.38 %) 2005 Westminster election, Linlithgow & East Falkirk, 5,486 votes (11.83 %)

Westminster Election, 5 th May 2005

Electorate 70,989 Turnout: 64.48 %
	Anne Picking MP
	Labour
	Votes	18,983
	%	41.47 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	- 7.42 % / - 7.52 %
	Christopher Butler
	Liberal Democrat
	Votes	11,363
	%	24.82 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	+ 7.66 % / + 7.61 %
	William Stevenson
	Conservative & Unionist
	Votes	7,315
	%	15.98 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	- 0.06 % / + 0.23 %
	Paul McLennan
	Scottish National Party
	Votes	5,995
	%	13.10 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	- 1.77 % / - 2.27 %
	Michael Collie
	Scottish Green Party
	Votes	1,132
	%	2.47 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	(+ 2.47 %) / - (+ 2.47 %)
	Gary Galbraith
	Scottish Socialist Party
	Votes	504
	%	1.10 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	- 1.09 % / - 0.76 %
	Eric Robb
	United Kingdom Independence Party
	Votes	306
	%	0.67 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	(+ 0.67 %) / (+ 0.67 %)
	William Thompson
	Operation Christian Vote
	Votes	178
	%	0.39 %
	% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)	(+ 0.39 %) / (+ 0.39 %)
Notional Labour hold
Labour majority		7,620
% majority		16.65 %
% change since 2001 (Denver/Baxter figures)		- 15.08 % / - 15.12 %

Notional 2001 result

Logo	Party	Denver			Baxter
		Votes	%		Votes	%
	Labour	21,590	48.89 %		22,190	48.99 %
	Liberal Democrat	7,579	17.16 %		7,796	17.21 %
	Conservative & Unionist	7,083	16.04 %		7,137	15.75 %
	Scottish National Party	6,567	14.87 %		6,961	15.37 %
	Scottish Socialist Party	967	2.19 %		842	1.86 %
	Others	376	0.85 %		376	0.83 %
Notional Labour win	Notional Labour majority	14,011	31.73 %		14,394	31.77 %