The SNP have hailed the results of the Anniesland/Drumchapel by-election in Glasgow which saw a swing of nearly 10% from Labour to the SNP.

Commenting on the result Glasgow SNP MSP Bill Kidd said: "Considering that 2007 was already a high water mark for the SNP this is a fantastic result for the party on the day we are also fighting the European elections. The SNP vote has increased substantially whilst Labour's is collapsing.

"Labour have suffered in this by-election. Not only because their government is crumbling but because they have ignored the opinions of parents of Glasgow."

Years of neglect of Glasgow schools have left the fabric of buildings in an intolerable condition as stated by the recent Audit Scotland report on council estates management. After decades of Labour estate mismanagement, we have to ask the question, "what next for the community of Old Drumchapel and Blairdardie?"

The SNP is clear, KEEP OPEN Blairdardie Primary School. Old Drumchapel and Blairdardie deserve better and the SNP is ready and willing to take up the fight to re-invigorate our dilapidated schools estate through a fully comprehensive estates review with you the community at its heart.

Glasgow's Labour council is letting the city down after leader Stephen Purcell has been revealed to be cancelling meetings and clearing his diary to campaign in a local by-election.

Today's Sunday Herald (p15) reports Mr Purcell's secetary cancelling his meetings for the whole of May so he can campaign for Labour.

SNP MSP for Glasgow Bob Doris today condemned "part-time Purcell" whose actions come only days after the Labour council voted to close schools across the city and as all Scotland's local authorities are facing up to the implications of London Labour's decision to cut £500 million from investment in Scottish services.

Mr Doris said: "Glasgow needs a full time leader, not part-time Purcell.  Working a half day then back to the Labour bunker is unacceptable.

The SNP have announced that they will continue their support for Glasgow parents and children by making the school closure issue a central plank of their by-election campaign.

Martin Docherty, a Policy Development Officer with West Dunbartonshire Community Services been selected as the "SNP - Save Glasgow Schools" candidate and will ask the people of Drumchapel/Anniesland Ward to give their verdict on the schools issue and show solidarity with parents across Glasgow.

Speaking from Drumchapel as the SNP kicked off their campaign Mr Docherty said: "Although no schools in this particular ward were part of the closure programme I think people here were as sickened as those affected by the shambles of a consultation and the refusal of the Labour Group to even listen to the people they are supposed to represent.  I am saddened by the arrogance of Labour Councillors who believe that people will have forgotten all about it by the time of the next election.

Bill Kidd was elected as one of four Councillors to represent the Drumchapel/Anniesland ward on the same day as he was elected as a list MSP representing Glasgow - a major drawback of holding the local elections and Scottish Parliamentary elections on the same day.

Over the past two years Bill has been undertaking a large amount of work within the ward with the help of Martin Docherty and others, nevertheless Bill realises that more time must be given to the important role of Councillor and is standing down so that Martin Docherty can take up the causes and concerns of the local ward in conjunction with Bill as your local regional MSP.

Together as a team Bill and Martin hope to work to promote the ward in both the City Council and in the Scottish Parliament giving the people of Knightswood two strong voices in the two places that have a direct impact on our daily lives.

One thing Bill and Martin agree on 100% is that this ward needs change, not just change for change sake but change for the better.