Kennedy Begins 'Sensitive' Campaign

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy today became the first party leader to campaign in Livingston ahead of a by-election triggered by the death of Robin Cook. He joined candidate Charles Dundas greeting shoppers in Livingston.

In a town still shocked by the murder of 11-year-old schoolboy Rory Blackhall, the campaigning was deliberately pitched low key.

Mr Kennedy said: "We are acutely conscious of, and share the sensitivities involved. It would not be correct in the current circumstances to be overplaying partisan politics against that kind of backdrop."