Labour facing pleasant problem after victory

THE triumph in Edinburgh South of the Labour party has left the group in Edinburgh with a "nice" problem.

Ian Murray's election to Westminster means he will have to give up his seat on the city council, where he represents Liberton/Gilmerton.

A by-election is likely to take place later in the summer for the seat, which already contains another Labour councillor, an SNP and Liberal Democrat member.

For now, Mr Murray will continue with both roles until the returning officer Tom Aitchison and the council administration decide to call the by-election.

Labour group leader Councillor Andrew Burns said: "I'm completely delighted for Ian. He and his election agent Paul Godzik fought a fantastic campaign, especially when you consider he was nominated at short notice.

"Of course, it does mean a by-election, but it is a good reason to have one."

Mr Murray won in what was one of the UK's closest, most intriguing seats.

A recount was needed at Meadowbank to establish the winner between him and Liberal Democrat Fred Mackintosh, who had been widely tipped to win the seat, and in the end it came down to fewer than 1,000 votes.

It is understood there is also the possibility of a Conservative reshuffle. Councillor Jason Rust, who lost out in Edinburgh South West to Alistair Darling, is likely to assume a senior role in the city's Conservative party now that he won't be going to Westminster.