More backing for anti-war mother

Rose Gentle (centre) is standing on an anti-war ticket

The group fighting to preserve Scotland's army regiments has withdrawn its candidate from the seat of the Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram.

Save the Scottish Regiments said its decision would clear the way for Rose Gentle, who is standing against Mr Ingram on an anti-war ticket.

Mrs Gentle's son Gordon was serving in Iraq with the Royal Highland Fusiliers when he was killed by a roadside bomb.

She is contesting the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow seat.

Mrs Gentle has campaigned against the conflict since the death of her son.

Who does what - Westminster or Holyrood?

Scottish Socialist Party candidate Cathy Pederson has already stood down in favour of backing her and on Thursday, Save the Scottish Regiments candidate Allan Hendry also announced he would not contest the seat.

Outspoken war critic

Pte Gordon Gentle, 19, was serving with the Royal Highland Fusiliers when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Basra just weeks after completing his training.

Since then the 40-year-old Glaswegian mother has frequently spoken out against the war and has launched an election bid alongside her Justice for Gordon Gentle Campaign.

Mrs Gentle has called on all other candidates opposed to the Iraq war to stand down to enable her to compete against the minister alone.

Pte Gordon Gentle was killed on patrol in Basra

Following her decision, Labour candidate Mr Ingram said he was ready for the election fight and that such challenges were the nature of democracy in action.

Mr Hendry said: "I look forward to helping Rose in her campaign as does the whole Save the Scottish Regiments campaign.

"As I am now the second candidate to stand aside, I would urge the other candidates of the major parties to do the same and allow Rose Gentle to deliver a bloody nose to a government minister of this duplicitous government."

The following candidates are also set to stand as candidates for the seat: Douglas Edward, Scottish National Party; Tony Lewis, Conservative; John Oswald, Liberal Democrats and Kirsten Robb, Scottish Green Party.

Meanwhile, Another Save the Scottish Regiments candidate has stepped down.

Anne McMillan was due to stand in the seat of Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath against Chancellor Gordon Brown but has pulled out because her husband is ill.

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