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Salmond savours 'trial of strength' victory

25/07/2008

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond says the Glasgow East by-election was a "trial of strength" won by the Scottish National party (SNP) against "London Labour".

The SNP's John Mason overturned a Labour majority of over 13,000 to win by 635 votes, snatching Labour's third safest seat in Scotland in the process.

Speaking at a press conference the morning after the result, SNP leader Mr Salmond said the by-election was unique as a test between Holyrood and Westminster.

"By-elections wherever they may be are usually fought between government and the opposition. This is a by-election which was a test of strength between the Labour London government led by Gordon Brown and an SNP government in Scotland doing its best for the Scottish people.

"It was London Labour which was found wanting and the SNP in Scotland which emerged victorious."

The 22.5 per cent swing achieved by the SNP, if transferred across the whole of Scotland, would see Labour's representation reduced to just one seat north of the border.

"We have now demonstrated there are no safe seats for the Labour party anywhere in Scotland," a clearly euphoric Mr Salmond added.

Mr Mason, who won 43.7 per cent of the votes cast, said this lunchtime his constituents had "sent a message" to the prime minister.

"It's time for action, time for him to listen," he said.

"Over 11 years of Labour government, too many have been left behind. This is a sad indictment of what was once the people's party."

Mr Brown was addressing Labour's national policy forum in Warwick as Mr Salmond and Mr Mason spoke.