Jean Turner MSP, the GP who beat Labour to take Strathkelvin and Bearsden in 2003, has today announced that she is to stand again in May. This is despite making a pledge to only stand for 1 term.
Turner could well keep the seat considering the unpopularity of Labour. It will be tougher than when she won it in 2003 as her key issue to save Stobhill Hospital has been dealt with successfully.
Every constituency seat is crucial for Labour. Labour need David Whitton to win this seat for them. Without seats like this Labour will be looking ever closer to the possibility of not being the largest party after May 3rd.
I wouldn't put money on Turner keeping this seat, but given a fair wind she might just. Against her is the lack of single issue and her anonymity during the last four years. The people of Strathkelvin and Bearsden will have to decide if they want a Labour government or if they can cope with an ineffective non-entity representing them for another four years. Crucially, they need to ask if Jean Turner would support a Labour or SNP government in the event of such a close tie.
Brian Fitzpatrick upon losing the seat in 2003
"Narrow win, big win, whatever, it is still a disappointment, but we are coming back for this seat."
It's really not easy to call it at all but it is welcome news as the more independents in Holyrood the better I would say. Also helps to add an extra talking point on May 3rd/4th.
Crucially, Stobhill isn't so much of an issue, not just in terms of policy-bashing against Labour but the Stobhill campaign paid 3,000 pounds to Jean for her canvassing etc. Without that cash, she may well struggle...
In saying that, this is the kind of constituency (my home one incidentally) where they can keep a sitting MSP in for ages. Sam Galbraith being one such example.
Crucial difference of course, Sam was Labour. Hmmm...
Ok, I'm now just gibbering so I'll stop.
Posted by: Jeff | 12 February 2007 at 02:41 AM
Catch tomorrow's (Wed) Scotsman/ICM poll results - the SNP storming ahead of Labour by 5% in the constituency vote alone. Where's Jack now?
Posted by: Grant Thoms | 27 February 2007 at 09:55 PM