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Glasgow by-election count begins Labour by-election win predicted
(10 minutes later)
Counting is under way in the Glasgow North East Westminster by-election, with predictions that Labour will hold the seat comfortably. Counting is under way in the Glasgow North East Westminster by-election, amid predictions of a Labour victory.
The contest was sparked after former Commons Speaker Michael Martin stood down, amid the Westminster expenses scandal. The contest was sparked after former Commons Speaker Michael Martin stood down, amid his handling of the Westminster expenses scandal.
He held the seat in the 2005 General Election with a 10,134 vote majority. SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon told BBC Scotland she expected Labour to hold the seat.
The result in the Glasgow North East by-election is expected in the early hours of Friday.The result in the Glasgow North East by-election is expected in the early hours of Friday.
SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon told BBC Scotland she expected Labour to hold the seat "fairly comfortably", with Prof John Curtice, of Strathclyde University, making a similar prediction. Labour has been the main political force in the area for the last 74 years, with Mr Martin - now Lord Martin - holding the seat in the 2005 General Election with a 10,134 vote majority.
Prof John Curtice, of Strathclyde University, also told the BBC he expected Labour to win "fairly comfortably".
Observers have predicted the voter turnout percentage could be down in the mid-30s, the Press Association reported.Observers have predicted the voter turnout percentage could be down in the mid-30s, the Press Association reported.
Labour has been the main political force in the area for the last 74 years.
Brian TaylorPolitical editor In this contest, it looks like a choice between the previously dominant Labour party and the challenging SNP.Brian TaylorPolitical editor In this contest, it looks like a choice between the previously dominant Labour party and the challenging SNP.
This time, though, there is also interest in who comes third.This time, though, there is also interest in who comes third.
Folk are wondering whether it is conceivable that the British National Party could oust the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats to take third place.Folk are wondering whether it is conceivable that the British National Party could oust the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats to take third place.
Read Brian Taylor's blogRead Brian Taylor's blog
It neighbours the Glasgow East seat - which the Nationalists snatched from Labour last year in a stunning by-election victory - although SNP leader and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has avoided making rash predictions of victory. The seat neighbours the Glasgow East seat - which the Nationalists snatched from Labour last year in a stunning by-election victory.
At the same time, Labour says it has learned the lessons of its defeat in Glasgow East and is taking nothing for granted. There are a total of 62,475 eligible voters in Glasgow North East, which saw a voter turnout of 45.8% in 2005.
There are a total of 62,475 eligible voters in Glasgow North East, which saw a voter turnout of 45.8% in the 2005 UK election.
A total of 13 candidates are standing.A total of 13 candidates are standing.