Labour top brass joins campaign

Thornberry pays a visit

The Rutherglen branch of the Labour Party called in a bighitter to help boost their chances in the Rutherglen Central and North byelection.

Shadow foreign minister Emily Thornberry paid a visit to the Royal Burgh to try and boost the chances of their candidate, Martin Lennon, who is defending the seat for the party.

Despite the election still being over two months away, the main parties have wasted no time in getting their campaigns up and running.

Liberal Democrat Scottish leader Willie Rennie has also visited the ward.

Ms Thornberry said: “Clearly there is a comeback to Labour in Scotland, not least in Rutherglen after electing Gerard Killen in June.

“The positive response from voters was really encouraging and Labour’s distinct message of policies for the many, not the few is resonating well.”

Mr Lennon, who previously stood in the ward back in May, added: “It is so clear on the doors that people are coming back to voting Labour and are impressed with our message of standing up for working people. Whether it’s housing, social care or ending the cuts - the Labour Party is the only party with solutions to the issues in Rutherglen.”

The Conservative Party became the latest to confirm their candidate.

They already have a councillor in Rutherglen Central and North, and will be hoping to make it two when Taylor Muir stands on November 23.

He said: “The people of Rutherglen Central and North returned a Scottish Conservative and Unionist Jared Wark in May and this is sure to be a closely contested election between ourselves, the SNP and Labour.

“I look forward to engaging with important local issues in the coming weeks and prove to our community that I can be a strong and effective representative for our area.”

Other candidates confirmed for the byelection are Ellen Bryson, who will stand for the Liberal Democrats, and Brian Finlay, who is standing for the Greens.

The SNP have yet to confirm their candidate.

The by-election was called after Gerard Killen stepped down to concentrate on his role as an MP.