GLASGOW ANNIESLAND BY-ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23

The Scottish Parliament’s Presiding Officer has decided that the polling date for the Glasgow Anniesland by-election should be Thursday, 23 November.

The by-election will fill the vacancy caused by the tragic death of the First Minister Donald Dewar.

Presiding Officer Sir David Steel said:

"Under the terms of the Scotland Act 1998, the decision on when to hold a by-election for the Scottish Parliament is a matter for the Presiding Officer.

"I have discussed with the four party leaders my proposal that for the convenience of the electors of Anniesland I would in fact choose whatever date was decided for the Westminster by-election. That, of course, is a matter for the chief whip of the party which holds the seat at Westminster.

"Although the writ for the Westminster by-election has not yet been moved, I have been told that it is intended to be moved so that the election is held on Thursday, November 23.

"I understand the Returning Officer in Glasgow published the necessary notice yesterday. I have informed all MSPs that this will also be the polling date for our Parliamentary by-election."

BACKGROUND NOTES

Donald Dewar died on October 11, 2000. In terms of Section 9(2) of the Scotland Act 1998, the Presiding Officer is required to fix the date of the election to fill the vacancy. The poll must be held within the period of three months from the occurrence of the vacancy.

In terms of Schedule 2 of the Elections Order, publication of Notice of Election by the constituency Returning Officer shall not be earlier than the 28^th day before the poll and not later than the 21^st day before the date of the poll. Saturdays, Sundays and certain holidays are discounted from this calculation.