A Glasgow Labour MP resigns his seat on Monday 30 June. He is apparently so ill that he cannot hold on for three weeks until the summer parliamentary recess. But we are not told about his illness. But presumably the whips could have sent him home early, thus avoiding the need for a by-election until parliament resumes in October. But, no, he resigns with immediate effect.
The writ for the by-election is moved immediately, setting the date for 24 July, as early as possible, even although this is in the middle of the Glasgow Fair holiday. This is presumably to avoid allowing the SNP to build up their bandwagon. But it means that postal votes have to be applied for by next Wednesday (9 July).
The expected Labour candidate fails to turn up to the selection meeting which is then postponed until Monday 7 July. It remains (at the time of writing) unknown if he will attend the meeting on Monday.
What is going on?
2 comments:
There were hints early in the press that there was something more than illness behind the resignation but these were never developed. Who knows!
And Margaret Curran is now being tipped as the Labour candidate...Its a funny old game.
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