The LABOUR PARTY

Candidate: Rita Miller

Labour are the party defending the seat, and what a nightmare they must have. Although they are doing reasnobly well in the polls, there is always an inclination for protest votes at a by-election, and there are a lot to choose from as always, including other left-wing parties (although it is only by having a non lefty hat they won Ayr in the first place). The candidate they have choosen is not well known, although she does have a good track record. A local counciler and involved in various voluntary groups in the community as well as being on the board for West of Scotland Water. Being a rising star in the party she is well able to become an MSP and has the capacity of rising beyond the backbench seats. Yet, alas, personality is what few vote for. The majority of 25 could be cut easily by defections to the SSP and the SNP in particular, they only need to gain 13 each for the Conservatives to win. As for Labour's policies, it is likely to be the same as they were for the election in May (not to increase tax, improve schooling, health and the other standard things). They will point to successes (limited in only 6 months) but could come unstuck on the political scandles surrounding Donald Dewer (First Minister) and his 'advisors', this and the result of the Cubie Report into student funding - which the SNP and Conservatives will lurch on as a 'failure to Scottish students'. Damage limitation is required. The campaign team in Ayr will have help from Delta House in Glasgow to ensure they win at all costs, so we can expect a better campaign from them than normal.

Further News:

Labour were out campaigning at the weekend (19th) with the Sec of State for Scotland. They have started theri leaflet frop and have got in trouble for displaying their poster too early.
The launch is on Mondy
Full update then.