Leading Labour candidate quits race

1:56pm Saturday 5th July 2008

Scottish Labour's leading candidate for the Glasgow East by-election has officially pulled out of the race.

Councillor George Ryan said he decided to withdraw because the campaign would put too much pressure on his family life.

Scottish Labour had to delay its selection of a candidate after Mr Ryan did not turn up at Friday night's selection, and the party has postponed the process until Monday evening.

The July 24 by-election was triggered by long-serving Labour MP David Marshall's resignation on health grounds.

The vote, which is crucial for the Labour Party, comes in the wake of bruising by-election defeats at both Crewe and Henley.

Mr Ryan, Councillor for Shettleston, said: "It is with regret that I have today removed my name from the shortlist of potential candidates.

"In the last 24 hours, I have come to recognise the pressures that this campaign would put on my family life, and I have taken the decision to put my family first.

"I hope people understand and respect my decision. Of course I wish whoever is selected to represent Labour in the East End every success. I will campaign for them.

"I now look forward to continuing my work on behalf of my constituents in my role as the Labour councillor for Shettleston."

There is speculation that Glasgow City Council Leader Steven Purcell may now throw his hat into the ring as a candidate.

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