In Edinburgh there are five seats in contention, and the quiet word is that all four – except Edinburgh West which has been held by the Liberal Democrats for some considerable time – could turn red when the results are in.
Whether or not that turns out to be the case (the Returning Officer thinks the results could be slightly ahead of 4am) there are some worried SNP supporters in the hall. This would mean that Tommy Sheppard, Joanna Cherry and Deidre Brock would lose their seats which they have all held for two parliaments.
The only people who have little to lose are the Conservatives who have had no MPs in Edinburgh in either of the last two parliaments.
Sue Webber is a Lothian MSP. She said that she does not think that she will win in Edinburgh South West which is looking like a straight fight between SNP and Scottish Labour. She said: “It seems to be really close. I was observing and counting and it looks to me as if it is going to be Scott Arthur who wins. But I was observing the Colinton side of the ward and that is where he is a councillor so there is some recognition as well.”
Asked if the Prime Minister calling this election caught Conservative candidates off guard she replied: “Well I am not sure. I think we all knew it was coming but when it got to June I thought it would be October or November. So it was strange to get up this morning in the daylight putting out boards – I found that quite alien. As a party we are going to have a lot to reflect on and think about over the next 24 to 48 hours.”
And whether she will put herself forward for party leader she replied that it is “not something she would relish”.
She said: “I’m certainly hoping for a real fair campaign. I’m hoping we have a candidate that comes forward that’s got some really good ideas how to take us forward and to really represent that centre right. People across Scotland are looking for an alternative to socialist SNP and Labour policies.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said:“I would like to thank all those across Scotland who have chosen change and put their trust in Scottish Labour.
“I am proud of the positive and hopeful campaign we have led and I am proud of our volunteers and candidates.
“This election was always about change and improving the lives of the people of Scotland.
“If the people of the country put their trust in Labour and give us the honour of forming the next government, then a Labour government will get to work straight away to serve the people of our country.
“For too long, Scots have been failed and let down.
“Labour is ready to put Scotland at the heart of government, to serve the people of Scotland and to deliver the change Scotland needs.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
