Fitzpatrick in frame for Maginnis seat

Published on Wednesday 17 September 2008 09:50

OUTSPOKEN former councillor Billy Fitzpatrick is in line to be Labour's candidate for the by-election caused by the death of his close friend Elizabeth Maginnis.

The Forth ward contest is set to be held in early November, and will be the first test of public support for the new Lib Dem/SNP administration.

Cllr Maginnis, who died earlier this month after a brain haemorrhage, represented north Edinburgh for 22 years, alongside Mr Fitzpatrick, who was a councillor in the area for 23 years before missing out at last year's elections.

The 55-year-old party stalwart is known for his passionate speeches.

Other names in the frame include youth worker Cammy Day, Labour's Westminster nominee for Edinburgh West.

Kate Finlay, Edinburgh Labour secretary, said: "We believe this is an opportunity for the people of Forth to send the SNP/Lib Dem administration a message – that they will not stand for cuts."

The main battle at the by-election will be between Labour and the SNP. Should the Nationalists win, the Lib Dem/SNP administration will have an overall majority for the first time.

Cllr Maginnis came fourth among first preference votes at last year's election, with Nationalist Steve Cardownie in first place, but Labour was the only party with two candidates – and won the biggest share of votes, with 29 per cent.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: "Elizabeth was a very good friend, and it's still a bit early to be talking about this. I've not made my mind up, but I will be speaking to local people."

Mr Day, who is also chairman of the Edinburgh Labour local government committee, added: "I will be considering it and will talk to party members."

Nationalist group leader, Cllr Cardownie, said the process of selecting a candidate had not yet started, but added: "There's a large SNP support in the area and we will be campaigning vigorously."

Tory group leader Iain Whyte said his party will start the process of picking a candidate this week.

November 6 or 13 are the most likely options for the by-election.