Ex-supporter launches bid to overthrow council chief

Mum-of-two Karen Keil, who has previously backed the Lib Dems at local and national elections, has defected to Labour and is to stand against Councillor Dawe, pcitured below, in the Drum Brae/Gyle ward.

She was one of the most vocal campaigners who fought the Lib Dem and SNP council coalition's proposals to close Drumbrae Primary and three other city schools.

The Lib Dems, who currently have two councillors in the Drum Brae/Gyle ward, have opted to only select one candidate in the ward for next year's council elections at this stage, with Coun cillor Robert Aldridge, the city's environment leader, moving to the Almond ward.

Ms Keil said: "As a former Liberal Democrat voter I have become disillusioned with Lib Dems' local representatives, in particular over the closure of Drumbrae Primary School. I feel they have let this community down and the closure has affected all the local schools.

"During the fight to keep Drumbrae open I felt Labour listened and helped the parents in their campaign. I also feel Labour are more in touch with local residents. I have been encouraged to stand in the council elections next year as residents believe this gives them the option of a local community activist to become their representative on the council."

The decision by the Lib Dems to move Cllr Aldridge to the Almond ward - away from the area of the city where he has been a long-serving representative - has led opposition groups to claim that the Lib Dems are "running scared" in the ward, which is set to become a key battleground in next year's elections. The ward is currently served by three representatives of the council administration, with the SNP's Colin Keir alongside Cllr Dawe and Cllr Aldridge.

Ms Keil said: "I am really disappointed that Cllr Robert Aldridge is not willing to face the electorate of Drum Brae/Gyle next year. But I am looking forward to challenging Jenny Dawe on her record."

In 2007, Cllr Aldridge received 25 per cent of the vote, with Cllr Dawe winning 20 per cent and Cllr Keir securing 18 per cent. The Conservative candidate, Steven Binney, narrowly missed out on being elected, with 16 per cent of the vote, while Labour's Cammy Day polled 15 per cent.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, chair of Labour on the council, said: "Labour has always come close in this ward: Cammy Day came close four years ago when Jenny Dawe sneaked in. This will be one of our target seats.

"Obviously when you look at local representatives you look at what they have done locally but also city-wide as well.Speaking to people in the city, Jenny Dawe's reputation is very poor."

Councillor Charles Dundas, chairman of the Liberal Democrat group in Edinburgh, was not available for comment.