Lib Dems launch by-election drive

Ian Robertson launched his campaign in Shettleston on Tuesday Glasgow East: Candidate profiles

The Liberal Democrats have launched their campaign for the Glasgow East Westminster by-election.

Candidate Ian Robertson promised he would fight to reverse the blight of years of "Labour neglect".

Tuesday also saw Margaret Curran launch her campaign for Scottish Labour, with Frances Curran doing likewise for the Scottish Socialist Party.

The SNP and Conservative campaigns will challenge Ms Curran to stand down as an MSP if she is elected to Westminster.

Mr Robertson launched his campaign in Shettleston with the party's acting Scottish leader, Michael Moore MP.

He said that after spending the weekend talking to local people he was aware that many were "disappointed with the lack of action by Labour after decades in power".

"It's time for a change - that's what I have heard time and time again from local residents on the doorstep.

He is a local candidate in tune with local issues, never taking the area he grew up in for granted Michael Moore MP Acting leader, Scottish Lib Dems

"We have been taken for granted and treated with contempt by Labour and offered hollow promises and empty gestures by the SNP.

"I share the priorities of local residents of reducing crime, increasing employment and reforming the benefit system to make it work for those who really need it.

"It's about time Glasgow East had a representative who cares about tackling these issues."

Mr Moore described the party's candidate as "a vibrant and enthusiastic person with a great deal of energy".

"He is a local candidate in tune with local issues, never taking the area he grew up in for granted," he said.

Labour currently holds a 13,507 majority over the SNP in Glasgow East.

The Liberal Democrats finished third in the 2005 general election with the Conservatives trailing in fourth with 1,096 votes.

Other candidates declared include Glasgow councillor John Mason for the SNP, university worker Davena Rankin for the Conservatives, retired GP Eileen Duke for the Scottish Greens and council worker Tricia McLeish for Solidarity.