The CONSERVATIVE PARTY

Candidate: John Scott

The Conservatives are only 25 behind, but it could take a little more that just that to win the seat. Althought they can gain some support from the increased Left-wing vote split. The other problem is that they have their second choice of candidate. If Phil Gallie had stood then they would have almost certainly won, but now there is more reliance on the party rather that the person. Which is bad news. The party show no signs of increased support in the polls and are still in the same position they were last year. That and the fact that an anti-abortion candidate will stade as well as Phil Gallie is not the candidate. But what we must remember is that people like to protest at elections. And Ayr is more conservative (with a small 'c') and hence more likely than most places to revert to the Conservatives as a protest rater that the SNP, although the more parties there are in the election with a left-wing stance the better (indeed the Conservive campaign may well focus as much on them winning as SNP gaining dilusioned Labour supporters). I feel they stand the best chance - not because of policies or candidate, but for the voting system and tactical voting may just see them win by default.

Further News:

The party launched their campaign on Wednesday 23rd Feb. In the town was leader David McCletchie and former MP Phil Gallie - of whcih many would have liked to stand this time. The platform was on more jobs and health, although the issue of Section 28 took center stage.To read a full account of this launch, visit the BBC.
The party has also been going round the doors calling on it's core supporters trying to guage support. this accoumpned a leaflet drop addressed to supporters telling them about JohnScott, though not his policies.
The policies they are persuing are listed in their campaign leaflet:
* retain section 28
* more jobs
* better health
* save the pound
* strong on law and order
These issues, as well as everything you want to know about them is now on the Ayr by-election web site for the party. (see below)

Contact and Links:

The Tory Ayr By-Election site:
www.vote-tory-for-ayr.com (one of the best web site addresses i have seen!)
E-mail them:
Click Here