SNP Glasgow North East by-election candidate, David Kerr, has hit out at the Labour Party after it once again failed to move the writ calling the Glasgow North East by-election.

Westminster rules mean that, unless the Labour Party move the writ tomorrow (Tuesday), Glasgow North East will be without an MP for another four months.

It is now 62 days since the former MP, Speaker Michael Martin announced he was standing down but still no by-election date has been set.

In contrast, Labour MP Iain Gibson resigned his Norwich North seat on 5th June 2009 and the by-election will be held this Thursday - 48 days later.

In 2008, in the neighbouring constituency of Glasgow East, the by-election was held on July 24th - just 26 days after David Marshall stood down.

Commenting, Mr Kerr said: "Labour are running scared of voters in Glasgow North East.

"It is utter hypocrisy to call a short by-election in Norwich North on the basis that the constituents cannot be without an MP for an extended period of time but then inflict exactly that fate on Glasgow North East.

"As the threat of closure looms over the Port Dundas distillery now, more than ever, Glasgow North East needs an MP who will speak up for their best interests. With this delay, Labour are putting Gordon's job before Glasgow's jobs and that is absolutely unacceptable."