CAMERON AND CLEGG MUST "LOOK PEOPLE IN THE EYE"

Labour today moved the writ for the Westminster by-election in Inverclyde, caused by the death of David Cairns last month.

Labour’s candidate, Iain McKenzie, has called on the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to both come to Inverclyde. It is understood that Nick Clegg is scheduled to visit Scotland tomorrow.

Iain McKenzie, Labour's candidate for Inverclyde, said:

"I am proud of our area and am proud to be one of the candidates that actually lives here.

"Our area is on the up, but this election is about the future and there is much to do.

"I have been out knocking on doors, speaking to people and the biggest issue is jobs.

"So my first priority is jobs. I’ll bang heads together to bring new employers and high-quality jobs to this area.

"But the government is threatening the economic recovery, threatening jobs, and hurting families who are working hard.

"So my message to David Cameron and Nick Clegg is simple: come to Inverclyde, look my neighbours in the eye, and tell them why you are cutting faster and deeper than is safe.

"Come and tell people why you think it is ok to close the local Clyde coastguard station.

"Telll them why you think it is ok to cut tax credits, child benefits and the winter fuel allowance.

"I will be a campaigning candidate and working day in, day out to earn trust, talking to people in my community about their real concerns – the economy, the unfair cuts hurting people here, housing, anti-social behaviour, and what really matters to people who live in my community.

"This election is about the future of my area, so am taking nothing for granted.

"This is an election no-one wanted, because David Cairns was a well-respected MP who served people well. The next MP has big shoes to fill and I do think we need someone local to do the job.

"If elected on 30 June, I promise to always do what’s right for Inverclyde, not what’s right for Westminster."

8 June 2011