Sensational By-election victory for Glasgow Liberal Democrats

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Mar 2006

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Nicol Stephen MSP congratulates Margot Clark on her stunning victory

Liberal Democrat candidate Margot Clark came from fourth place to win the council ward of Kings Park in an exceptional by-election victory.

Margot Clark, polled 572 against 472 for Labour, 431 for SNP and 222 for the Conservatives, with the SSP, Greens and an Independent in double figures from a turnout of 32.4%.

Christopher Mason, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Glasgow City Council, said: "There has obviously been a catastrophic collapse of confidence in Labour. Iraq, pensions and every other grievance you can think of have been coming through during the campaign."

Margot herself was delighted to take the seat, which had been held by Bill Timoney until his death earlier this year.

She continued " The plan now is to follow on in all of the areas we highlighted in campaigning, ranging from planning issues to facilities for children throughout the King's Park area."

" There is a serious problem with youth disorder in the area as well as litter. We need to tackle serious issues like these on behalf of the local people."

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