By-election too close to call
THE LIB Dems claimed last night they were neck and neck with Labour in the race for the Dunfermline and West Fife by-election.
Nicol Stephen, the party’s Scottish leader, urged supporters to turn out today as “every vote will count.”
The party’s chief executive Lord Rennard said the Liberals were within sight of the 14% swing needed to seize the Westminster seat from Labour.
It wasn’t the Lib Dems who were concentrating Labour minds yesterday, but the SNP.
Labour candidate Catherine Stihler urged supporters not to take anything for granted and to turn out and vote today—or they could wake up to a Scottish National Party MP.
SNP leader Alex Salmond was in buoyant mood and predicted a huge swing to the SNP.
Meanwhile, Tory candidate Carrie Ruxton said her party offered a real choice to the voters.
Nine candidates will stand in the by-election, where Labour are defending a majority of more than 11,500.
It was brought about by the death of Rachel Squire (51) on January 5 after a long battle against illness.
Toll levels on the Forth road bridge, as well as its long-term future, have loomed large in the campaign.
And the day after Labour launched its campaign, printer firm Lexmark announced it was to close its factory in the constituency with the loss of 700 jobs.
Lord Rennard claimed voters had felt let down and taken for granted by Labour. “Liberal Democrats now sense the real prospect of a major upset in this by-election,” he said.
He added, “The first parliamentary by-election since David Cameron became Conservative party leader will highlight how irrelevant the Conservatives have become in many parts of Britain.”
Mr Stephen joined Willie Rennie, the party’s candidate, on a walkabout in Dunfermline High Street yesterday. Sir Menzies Campbell, acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, later joined their last-minute push.
Mr Rennie added, “The clear message that I am getting on the doorsteps is that local people feel let down by Labour and that it is time for a change.”
Mrs Stihler warned supporters not to take anything for granted and to turn out and vote today.
If they don’t, she said, they could wake up to an SNP MP in the shape of Nationalist candidate Douglas Chapman tomorrow morning.
The surprising admission came yesterday as the party geared up for the final day’s campaigning.
“Some Labour supporters may feel there is little at stake in this by-election,” she said. “With respect, there is a lot at stake.”
She argued that Labour had proved its commitment to the area by bringing in 10,000 jobs since 1997 and said only it could deliver 10,000 more.
“The success of Rosyth Dockyard shows what can be done,” she added.
Mr Salmond predicted a huge swing to the SNP. He joined Mr Chapman as he prepared for the final day’s campaigning.
“It’s clear from all the available evidence that there will be a huge swing to the SNP at the polls,” Mr Salmond said.
Mr Salmond continued, “Our campaign has been well organised and well focused, and Douglas Chapman is a tremendous candidate who will do a top class job of representing the people of this area as their Member of Parliament.
“Only Douglas Chapman can beat Labour and ensure real change for people here.”
Mr Chapman added, “The mood amongst local people is clear—we want change in our communities.
“People here want to put some pride back into their town, which has been let down badly under Labour leadership for decades.
“People in Fife are also still concerned about the Labour and Lib Dem proposal to increase the Forth road bridge tolls, and have not been fooled by Labour’s attempts to pull the wool over their eyes.”
Tory candidate Carrie Ruxton said her party offered a real choice to the voters. “I have talked about the issues that matter to the people—the bridge, Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline town centre and the economy of Fife.”
“I am proud of the positive campaign I have led in this by-election. This is an exciting time to be a Conservative candidate as a new chapter opens in politics.
“The Conservatives offer a real choice to the voters on Thursday and I know many of them believe it is time for a change.”
The Courier
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