02/05/2003
Labour return to power in Scotland
Labour have been returned to power in the Scottish elections, albeit with only 50 seats, six less than in the last election, and the inevitable prospect of a continuing coalition with the Liberal Democrats.
The Labour and Liberal Democrat party leaders, Jack McConnell and Jim Wallace, are expected to begin discussion on the format of the coalition almost immediately.
The position of the Liberal Democrats remains unchanged on 26 seats, while the Scottish National Party, who had been widely expected to make large gains, lost 10 MSPs, falling to 24.
Smaller parties fared well overnight, with the Scottish Green Party up from one to six MSPS and the Scottish Socialists up from one to five.
The biggest shock came when Dr Jean Turner, a hospital campaigner from Glasgow, defeated Labour's Brian Fitzpatrick in Strathkelvin and Bearsden, sending her to the Scottish Parliament to fight the closure of Stobhill Hospital.
(GB)
The Labour and Liberal Democrat party leaders, Jack McConnell and Jim Wallace, are expected to begin discussion on the format of the coalition almost immediately.
The position of the Liberal Democrats remains unchanged on 26 seats, while the Scottish National Party, who had been widely expected to make large gains, lost 10 MSPs, falling to 24.
Smaller parties fared well overnight, with the Scottish Green Party up from one to six MSPS and the Scottish Socialists up from one to five.
The biggest shock came when Dr Jean Turner, a hospital campaigner from Glasgow, defeated Labour's Brian Fitzpatrick in Strathkelvin and Bearsden, sending her to the Scottish Parliament to fight the closure of Stobhill Hospital.
(GB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 May 2007
Salmond elected First Minister in Scotland
Alex Salmond has been elected First Minister of Scotland, the first Nationalist to do so. The leader of the Scottish National Party beat Labour leader and former First Minister Jack McConnell by 49 votes to 46. Mr Salmond was supported by two Green MSPs, while the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives abstained.
Salmond elected First Minister in Scotland
Alex Salmond has been elected First Minister of Scotland, the first Nationalist to do so. The leader of the Scottish National Party beat Labour leader and former First Minister Jack McConnell by 49 votes to 46. Mr Salmond was supported by two Green MSPs, while the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives abstained.
11 January 2012
Cameron Opposes Scotland's Call For Independence
Britain’s Prime Minister has urged Scotland to reject calls for independence if a referendum is held on the subject. David Cameron has said that he believes in the Union and that a break –up would be damaging to UK economy.
Cameron Opposes Scotland's Call For Independence
Britain’s Prime Minister has urged Scotland to reject calls for independence if a referendum is held on the subject. David Cameron has said that he believes in the Union and that a break –up would be damaging to UK economy.
30 March 2005
Lib Dems launch local election campaign
The Liberal Democrats have launched their local government election campaign by declaring the party "the growing force" in local government. A statement released by the party stated that the Liberal Democrats had "pushed" Labour into third place in last year's local elections.
Lib Dems launch local election campaign
The Liberal Democrats have launched their local government election campaign by declaring the party "the growing force" in local government. A statement released by the party stated that the Liberal Democrats had "pushed" Labour into third place in last year's local elections.
26 April 2005
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
07 May 2010
UK Faces Hung Parliament
The majority of votes are in for the UK general election and predictions show that Britain faces its first hung parliament since 1974. With the votes that have already been accounted for it is apparent that the Tories will be the largest party and Labour can no longer win a majority.
UK Faces Hung Parliament
The majority of votes are in for the UK general election and predictions show that Britain faces its first hung parliament since 1974. With the votes that have already been accounted for it is apparent that the Tories will be the largest party and Labour can no longer win a majority.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.