MSP Margaret Curran will stand as Labour's candidate in the Glasgow East by-election after councillor George Ryan unexpectedly pulled out.

Mr Ryan quit after failing to turn up to a party meeting. He cited "family reasons" for the withdrawal, as housing benefit fraud allegations dating back a decade resurfaced.

The move prompted the Scottish National Party (SNP) to say that Labour was in "complete meltdown".

The seat is one of the safest Labour seats in Scotland, with a majority of more than 13,500 over the SNP at the last election, but the crisis has shaken the party.

Labour thought they had replaced Mr Ryan with Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell, but yesterday he told Labour he did not want to stand.

Ms Curran has now agreed to run, although she said she will keep her seat in Holyrood if elected – meaning she would only take on the role part-time.

She said: "The Labour Party is fighting back and standing up for the East End of Glasgow.

"I am privileged to be playing my part. I am deeply committed to the east end of Glasgow."

David Marshall triggered the by-election by standing down on the grounds of ill health.

Ms Curran is expected to be selected as Labour candidate tomorrow.
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