The result in Glenrothes was good for Labour. Expectations are so low that holding a safe seat with a reduced majority is now seen as a major success. But it was one of those rare occasions where a party can lose its deposit and still have done well. In a straight fight between an embarassingly over-confident SNP and Labour, third party votes were always going to be squeezed. But the Tories came third - beating the LibDems. This is now the second time it has happened on safe Labour turf. Future Conservative superstar Davena Rankin defeated the LibDems in Glasgow East as well. Davena is now our candidate in Glasgow South.
The Scottish Conservative & Unionist party is reaping the rewards of a unique voice. Unlike Scottish LibDems, seen as Labour's poodle in Holyrood, they provide effective opposition based on issues. For recovery to come north of the border, we have to be realistic. Unlike the LibDems' childish and dull insistence that they can reach government every election, the Scottish Tories have a solid goal of building respect. Annabel Goldie, Maurice Golden, Davena and our other candidates and elected officials are doing well. The Tories recovered in Wales to become a major force, and it will happen in Scotland too. The immediate aim must be to marginalise the LibDems and stand as a center right, yet unionist, party. After two by-elections in third place, the scenario for recovery is encouraging. Meanwhile, it'll be fun to hear what LibDems north and south of the border say after being beaten by the Conservatives twice in a row.
