Susan Deacon MSP steps down

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 14 Aug 2006, 21:09

From the Scotsman:

Deacon decides to quit Holyrood in blow for Labour

Izzie · Post by **Izzie** » 14 Aug 2006, 21:31

She will be sadly missed

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 14 Aug 2006, 21:50

Agreed. I think her departure is a great loss to East Edinburgh and to the Scottish Labour Party.

Cleopas · Post by **Cleopas** » 14 Aug 2006, 22:03

I only met the lady a few years ago and think she has been very good for Edinburgh East, regardless of party.

Cleopas · Post by **Cleopas** » 16 Aug 2006, 20:18

Question of the moment seems to be ... who's going to replace her. I heard a whisper that former Labour Regional councillor Paul Nolan might stand.

Then I heard that Maureen Childs is thinking it over.

Any more gossip?? Cos that's all it is at the moment.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Aug 2006, 12:22

Not sure if this is a scoop or not, as the online version of the EN isn't up yet, but it would seem that Lawrence Marshall is seriously considering a crack at it as well. As he says, these opportunities don't come around too often and I would certainly regard him as a far more credible candidate than Shami, for example. At the same time I would be sorry to lose him as my local councillor, but good luck to him if he goes for it.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Aug 2006, 14:32

Still not updated. Thirty five pence I had to spend on a hard copy to find that the EN already had the story! They report that LM is considering standing, along with Ian Perry. Maureen seems to have ruled herself out as being 'committed to local government'. This may come as a surprise to some, who regarded Maureen as being more politically ambitious than Lawrence.

Other possible contenders include Jalal Chaudry, (which will split the ethnic minority vote), Lord Provost Lesley Hinds and Iain Gray, a former MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands.

So if people want a local representative then Lawrence has to be in with a shout.

Cleopas · Post by **Cleopas** » 19 Aug 2006, 14:37

My auntie calls him Larry Marshall ... but not as funny. I don't get it!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 19 Aug 2006, 17:19

Here is that EN link:

Muslim leader to fight Khan for chance to become MSP