Support for Thatcher in Downing Street will go down like a lead baloon in Glasgow

As the Prime Minister prepares to join the campaign trail in Glasgow North East, Labour's by-election candidate has abandoned his party leader over the disastrous war in Iraq - a conflict which Gordon Brown bankrolled.

Mr Bain also failed to oppose Gordon Brown's decision to have Mrs Thatcher round to tea in Downing Street - a move which will go down disastrously with voters in Glasgow North East.

SNP Campaign Co-ordinator Stewart Hosie said: "Mr Bain's comments will cause huge embarrassment to Gordon Brown as he heads to Scotland. Labour are split from top to bottom, and the Labour candidate has now come out against the disastrous Iraq war which Gordon Brown bankrolled as Chancellor. The Labour candidate's remarks show that Labour are split wide apart on Iraq.

"It seems the only thing Brown has done that Bain agrees with is having Mrs Thatcher round for tea.

"Opposing the illegal Iraq war which Gordon Brown bankrolled is a huge blow for Labour on the eve of Brown's campaign visit. And supporting Brown taking tea with Thatcher in Downing Street will go down like a lead balloon in Glasgow North East.

"On top of that, Labour's candidate refused even to commit to a positive campaign. David Kerr's positive campaign is based on vital policies which reflect the priorities of people in Glasgow North East.

"Gordon Brown will have some serious questions to answer when he arrives in Glasgow."