“I believe Glasgow needs a change and a party that sets out a clear, credible alternative to Labour.  I have watched Katy Gordon work tirelessly on behalf of local people in Glasgow North.  Whether saving post offices, supporting efforts to stop a nightclub in the Botanics or campaigning to stop school closures, she never stops working to get things done.

Leaving the SNP after 31 years hasn’t been easy.  But the SNP has shown it simply doesn’t trust its councillors, preferring instead to govern local communities by ministerial decree, so I know it’s the right thing to do.

Over the next few months I will be working as hard as I can to persuade local people that Katy is the right choice as MP for Glasgow North.  The sooner we chuck out Labour and replace the sitting MP with Katy Gordon, the better for the people of Glasgow North.”

Katy added:

“I am delighted to welcome Alex into the Liberal Democrats.  I have known him for many years and respect him as an effective local councillor.  I think Alex’s decision is a strong endorsement of our key message to voters in Glasgow North: only the Liberal Democrats can stand up for local people effectively at Westminster.  We can stop Labour taking residents for granted if disillusioned voters replace tired Labour with a new, Liberal Democrat MP.”

Tavish Scott MSP took time out from canvassing in the Glasgow East by election yesterday to hear about the housing problems of Maryhill residents.

As part of the launch of his Liberal Democrat leadership campaign, he was keen to learn more about the concerns of local people. Katy Gordon, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Glasgow North, and Tavish visited Marie McDonald and her daughter, who bought their home in Maryhill under Right to Buy legislation several years ago. Glasgow Housing Association (GHA) are now in the process of knocking down all the housing in their area in a 12 year rebuilding programme and are dragging their feet on offering Mrs McDonald alternative accommodation.

Tavish said:

“This illustrates the need for investment across Glasgow and Scotland in affordable housing to take place as quickly as possible. I was amazed to find out that it’s going to take 12 years to complete this regeneration.”

Katy added:

“While there is a lot of focus on new affordable housing, it is also important to look after the homes we already have. A lot of residents across the constituency have problems with common repairs being carried out late, badly or overcharged for. Many tenants struggle to get deposits back from unscrupulous landlords.

“It is time to look at making it easier for residents and tenants to get their voices heard. Mrs McDonald has been in limbo for nearly 2 years now and it is time for GHA to resolve the situation.”