Ed Miliband is new Labour leader

ED Miliband has today been elected as the new leader of the Labour Party, following a vote by party members, MPs, and affiliated organistations.

The new leader – who visited West Lothian just a few weeks ago – said: “Today a new generation has stepped forward to change our party. We are united in our mission to transform Labour so that, once again, we stand up for the hardworking majority who play by the rules and want a less divided and more prosperous Britain. I know we have a lot of work to do. The journey starts today."

• Click here for the full results on the Labour Party website
• Check out the BBC coverage here

Jubliant Michael wins for Labour

A JUBILANT Michael Connarty was today re-elected as the area’s Labour MP – with an increased majority and share of the vote.

Mr Connarty comfortably won the Linlithgow and East Falkirk seat with 25,634 votes – more than 12,500 ahead of his nearest rival Nationalist Tam Smith (who polled 13081). The Lib Dems and Conservatives were placed third and fourth.

The full results are on the BBC website and The Falkirk Herald website.

The announcement came around 2 a.m. at the count at West Lothian College in Livingston. Michael is pictured with supporters and workers from Grangemouth and Bo’ness after the result was announced.

Labour also held onto the neighbouring Falkirk and Livingston seats – both key targets for the SNP.

Visit the BBC website for full results and analysis from around Scotland.

Vote Labour today

LABOUR supporters are being urged to get out and give their backing to the party in today’s General Election.

Here in Grangemouth Labour’s Michael Connarty is fighting to retain his seat as the area’s MP. If you believe in Labour values, please give him your support today.

Polls opened at 7 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. An election result is expected around 4 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, May 7).

Today, in message to party supporters, Gordon Brown said: “During this campaign, you have knocked on millions of doors, delivered tens of millions of leaflets, donated hundreds of thousands of pounds and spread our message far and wide online.

“And now with every poll telling us that there are still more undecided voters than ever before – you can still make a difference, by speaking to these people today. 

• Tell them about our proud record – that we are fighting to protect.
• Tell them about the Tory risk – that we are fighting to prevent.
• And tell them about our plans for the future – that we are fighting to deliver.

“With all my resolve I pledge that I will always fight for the people of this country – I will secure the recovery, never put their livelihood at risk, and always always always fight for their future.”

Why you should vote on May 6

Comedian Eddie’s support for Labour

COMEDIAN Eddie Izzard is fronting Labour’s second film of the 2010 election campaign. It’s a virtuoso stand-up tribute to Britain’s great people, and a heartfelt reminder that while the Conservatives may have changed their suits, they haven’t changed their beliefs or their policies.

Michael Connarty is fighting to retain his seat as Labour MP for this area. Vote Labour on May 6.

Labour launches its manifesto for Scotland

SCOTTISH Labour today launched its manifesto for the forthcoming General Election – outlining measures to rebuild the economy, renew society and restore trust in politics.

Labour said it plans to increase the minimum wage in line with earnings, introduce a £40 a week Better Off at Work Payment to people on benefits who find jobs, and introduce a new Toddlers Tax Credit from 2012.

The manifesto also includes Labour campaign pledges in Scotland – policies we will take forward in Scotland from opposition at Holyrood now, and will carry through into the next Scottish Parliament.

Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy, said: "We all know that Scotland is at a turning point. We can either go backwards with the Scottish Tory Party or Scotland and Labour can continue together to build a fairer and stronger Scotland.

"Our manifesto sets out a clear plan to rebuild our economy – a future industrial policy and strategy.

Our Party Election Broadcast

LABOUR has unveiled its Party Election Broadcast for the poll on May 6. It stars actor Sean Pertwee and features a voice-over by former Doctor Who David Tennant.

Campaign co-ordinator Douglas Alexander said: “During this election people are asking themselves the big questions – who can I trust to do the right thing for my family and how are we going to keep the economy recovering.

“Throughout the tough times, Labour have been clear – support the economy during the downturn, securing the recovery and start the work of creating the future jobs and industries that Britain needs in years to come.

“Watch our Party Election Broadcast and share it with your friends.

“At this election, our country is at a crossroads. We can stay on the path we’ve set, securing the recovery and embracing the new opportunities open to Britain, or we can throw it all away by setting off down the Conservatives’ dangerous, untried road that risks a double-dip recession.

”During tough times, the British people have shown real resolve – taking the tough decisions and doing what needs to be done.
We’re getting through. Now is not the time for Britain to turn off the road to recovery.”

Give your support to Labour by voting for our candidate, Michael Connarty, on May 6.

Michael launches Parliament bid

MICHAEL Connarty today (Sunday) launched his campaign to be re-elected as the MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Bo’ness, he told party workers about the threat to Britain if the Conservatives win the forthcoming general election.

“The phoney war is over and the real battle to re-elect the Labour Government, for a historic fourth term has begun,” he said.

Mr Connarty is defending a Parliamentary majority of more than 11,000.

“We go into this campaign with a quiet confidence, but we cannot and must not take things for granted,” he said.

Keep up-to-date with the campaign by visiting this website.

* Michael is pictured with his wife Margaret, Grangemouth Councillor Alistair McNeill and supporters at the campaign launch.

Election on May 6

THE GENERAL Election will be held on May 6. The date was confirmed today by Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

He said: “Today I visited Her Majesty the Queen to ask for a dissolution of Parliament and a General Election on May 6th.

“From now until polling day I will travel the length and breadth of Britain with a simple message – Britain is on the way to economic recovery and now is not the time to put it at risk. But this is going to be a different kind of election – one where we the politicians throw open the doors to grassroots activists and the wider public.

“Britain’s future success will be shaped in the next few months.
It is a time of big challenges and tough decisions.

”From the big calls on the economy – securing the recovery and creating future jobs – to tackling climate change, succeeding in Afghanistan, restoring faith in democracy and the other issues that face our country, only Labour has the credible answers.
And we’re going to prove it.”

See BBC coverage at www.bbc.co.uk/election2010

Putting Holyrood on the right track

The Railway Museum in Bo’ness is to be the subject of a members business debate in the Scottish Parliament on Feb 4th

 

The debate comes hot on the heels of an exhibition in the parliament by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society (see attached photograph), which was sponsored by Falkirk East MSP Cathy Peattie. The exhibition highlighted the work of the SRPS in Bo’ness, and their plans for the future. The Society’s aspiration, as recent members’ motions have noted, is to build on its success and inspire a new generation of engineers, encouraging active participation through volunteering.

 

Cathy said:

 

“The Railway Museum in Bo’ness is more than just a national treasure – it is one of Europe’s major transport collections. There are exhibits that are unique within the UK, without parallel even in the collection in York. We need to give it the recognition and support it deserves. The museum brings the past to life and enables people to experience our heritage. It boosts the local and national economy.

 

“But the SRPS could do more, if it were given more support. They have many plans that are raring to go, such as improvements at the Manuel junction, extending their education work; and expanding the scope of activities for volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds … if funding can be found.”

 

The debate picks up on the themes of the exhibition and in particular  will highlight the contribution made by the late John Burnie. Both Chris Harvie (a close friend of John Burnie) and Cathy Peattie, the local MSP, have tabled motions on John Burnie and the Railway Museum (see below), which have attracted widespread support.

 

S3M-05382 Cathy Peattie (Falkirk East) (Scottish Labour): John Burnie— That the Parliament expresses sympathy to the widow and family of the late John Burnie, 1946 to 2009, engineer and effective founder, through the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, of the Scottish Railway Museum at Bo’ness, one of Europe’s greatest railway collections, and expresses support for John Burnie’s longer-term ambition to make the museum a centre of technical education, an issue of great importance in coping with new engineering challenges.
Supported by: Dr Christopher Harvie, Jamie Hepburn, Stuart McMillan, Anne McLaughlin, Angela Constance, Rob Gibson, Bob Doris, Mr Frank McAveety, Robin Harper, Trish Godman, Joe FitzPatrick, Hugh Henry, Aileen Campbell, Helen Eadie, Dr Ian McKee, Rt Hon George Foulkes, Mary Mulligan, Kenneth Gibson, James Kelly, John Park, Jackie Baillie, Christina McKelvie, Patricia Ferguson, Bill Kidd, Michael Matheson, Rhona Brankin, Karen Whitefield, Linda Fabiani, Gil Paterson, Christine Grahame, Tom McCabe, Marilyn Livingstone, Margaret Mitchell (Lodged on Wednesday, December 09, 2009; Current)