By-election candidates' job focus

Glasgow by-election: Candidates

Scotland's main political parties have been focussing on jobs and health, as the fight for votes in the Glasgow North East by-election continues.

UK Work and Pensions Secretary Yvette Cooper was campaigning in the seat, as the SNP demanded assurances be given over the future of banking jobs.

The Lib Dems said they were the only party offering help to regenerate Glasgow North East.

And the Tories said the role of health visitors needed to be strengthened.

Voters will go to the polls on 12 November to elect one of 13 candidates as an MP.

'Years of neglect'

The seat was vacated by former Commons Speaker Michael Martin, who resigned amid the Westminster expenses row.

The SNP's call came after it emerged Royal Bank of Scotland, bailed out by the UK government amid the financial crisis, said it would be selling off parts of its business to satisfy European competition concerns.

"Scotland's banking workers deserve more than a direct line to the breadline," said candidate David Kerr, adding: "These reforms must not jeopardise jobs in this industry."

Liberal Democrat candidate Eileen Baxendale, who was visiting the Glasgow East Regeneration Agency, claimed Labour had been responsible for "more than 70 years of neglect".

"I want to see greater support from Holyrood and Westminster for projects like GERA, that help local people in their own communities," she said.

Ruth Davidson, the Conservative candidate, claimed health visitor services in the city were vital in tackling inequality, but the service had been allowed to deteriorate.

She said: "Health visitors are at the heart of our communities and are the unsung heroes of our health service. Not only do they provide invaluable care and support to mums, dads and children, but they also act as an early warning system when things are going wrong in the home."