LABOUR MP David Marshall resigned from the House of Commons today, forcing a by-election in the rock solid seat of Glasgow East.The Scottish Nationalists think they're in with a chance of taking the constituency, even though they are facing a majority of 13,507 and needing a swing of nearly 22%.

Graham Dines

LABOUR MP David Marshall resigned from the House of Commons today, forcing a by-election in the rock solid seat of Glasgow East.

The Scottish Nationalists think they're in with a chance of taking the constituency, even though they are facing a majority of 13,507 and needing a swing of nearly 22%.

Mr Marshall was today appointed to the nominal post of steward and bailiff of the Manor of Northstead, an office of profit under the crown, one of the traditional ways by which MPs resign their seats.

With the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives nowhere in this sea of social housing which is the home to Celtic FC, the SNP are the only serious challengers.

It should be easy going for Labour but after heavy defeats in the Crewe & Nantwich and Henley by-elections, and the resignation of Labour's leader in the Scottish parliament Wendy Alexander, there are

doubts in some Labour circles about the party's capacity to see off the Nats.

Polling day is likely to be July 24.