Glasgow East by-election: SNP seizes on warning of fuel cost surge

THE rising cost of living dominated the Glasgow East by-election yesterday after warnings of massive increases in gas prices. An independent report commissioned by energy group Centrica suggesting prices could rise up to 70 per cent was seized on by the SNP, which has made rising costs, in particular for power and fuel, a campaign theme. Its candidate, John Mason, who is seeking to overturn a 13,500 Labour majority next Thursday, earlier in the campaign called on Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, to implement an eight-point plan to tackle fuel poverty. Mr Mason said yesterday's report reinforced the call. Margaret Curran, the Labour candidate, vowed to stand up for the elderly over the problems they face if she wins the seat made vacant by the resignation on health grounds of Labour MP David Marshall. "I know the cost of... [read full story]