Pundits predict early Norwich by-election
Tuesday, 30 June 2009 12:00 AM
By politics.co.uk staff
Parliamentary insiders are predicting an early by-election in Norwich North, with a writ expected later today.
The by-election, which was triggered by the resignation of Ian Gibson after he was banned from standing by the Labour party, could take place before the summer recess, with July 27th the expected date.
Labour has a majority of 5,459 in the constituency.
The party is expected to keep the seat, despite Tory high spirits, but there is considerable resentment among local activists at the way their MP was forced out the seat.
Meanwhile, Labour named William Bain, 36, a law lecturer, as their candidate for the Glasgow North East seat left empty by former Speaker Michael Martin.
That contest will probably be much later - towards the end of the year.
"People across the constituency are angry at the SNP's broken promises and lack of action to help people through the recession," Mr Bain said.
"The SNP government have abandoned the people of Glasgow North East. I pledge to local people that I'll stand up for them and I'll fight everyday for a better deal for Glasgow North East."
Labour has a majority of 10,134 in the constituency.
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