Jim Devine might force a by-election in Livingston

Jim Devine is deciding what his next move will be
THE political earthquake of the MPs' expenses scandal continued to have aftershocks last night with suggestions that Labour's Jim Devine might force a by-election in Livingston.

The backbencher, who was cut loose by the Labour leadership because of queries over his expenses claims, is thought to be mulling over his options.

The 56-year-old politician, who is "devastated" by the party's decision to deselect him and believes he has been "hung out to dry", was unavailable for comment last night.

He fell foul of Labour's "star chamber" because of outstanding questions over receipts of £2157 for electrical work from a company that does not exist and of £2326 for 66 metres of shelving, said to have been provided by the landlord of his local pub. Mr Devine denied any wrongdoing.

If the Livingston MP were to force a by-election, it would be the third caused by the fall-out from the expenses scandal. The majority is only 2680 and Labour will be challenged hard by the SNP.

Last night, Labour sources claimed the date for the Glasgow North East by-election was likely to be August 27.

The governing party is said to have been buoyed by having polled 2000 more votes than the Nationalists in the recent Europoll in the area.

It also feels the current local controversy of school closures will not be so high because by then the schools would have returned after the summer holidays.

The other by-election due is in Norwich North, the seat of Labour's Ian Gibson.