Central Fife Election Report

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INTRODUCTION
The 2003 election campaign had been expected to provide a major breakthrough for the SSP, nationally and to a lesser degree locally. In Central Fife, from the moment Henry McLeish announced he would not be standing, the contest was set to be a bitter two-horse race between Christine May of Labour and Nationalist Tricia Marwick. Our candidate, Morag Balfour, is an experienced campaigner having stood for us in the 2001 Westminster Election.

There were hopes at the start of the local campaign that we might retain our deposit, but there were also serious concerns that Morag might be squeezed out by the ferocity of the two horse race. Our fears were unfounded, however, as we comfortably kept the deposit, polling 5.43% - more than double our share of the vote in 2001.

Undoubtedly a significant element in this election was the strong showing of the Independent candidate Andrew Rodger. It is worth noting that in his council election he comfortably retained his seat with a majority of 944 and a total poll of 1,431.

Such a solid showing from Rodger, combined with our gains helped turn this seat from a safe Labour stronghold to an interesting marginal next time round.

PERSONNEL CHANGES
Elections are hectic, stressful times, without misfortune intervening. Undoubtedly the single most significant event in the SSP's Central Fife campaign was the disappearance of one of our members, Jaimie Hutchison. This was a difficult time as we all worried for Jaimie's wellbeing. The good news is that Jaimie has since been located.

This strain on personnel was felt keenly by the Glenrothes Branch, as we provided not only our own Central Fife constituency candidate, but also the candidate for Ochil. Felicity Garvie left the Glenrothes Branch to found the Alloa & Hillfoots Branch. Her campaigning insights and experience were sorely missed throughout the election, but we acknowledge the fantastic work Fiz did in Central Fife, and wish Alloa & Hillfoots every success.

Also leaving the Glenrothes Branch was Fiz's husband Stuart, who became a founding member of the Benarty Branch. Once again, we must express our gratitude for Stuart's contributions to the Glenrothes Branch, and wish Benarty well.

LEAFLETING
Having overcome a financial crisis, we had a personnel crisis. We had 10,000 leaflets to deliver, a constituency split into two major urban conurbations, and very few people available - most of whom worked full time jobs.

By sheer hard work and bloody mindedness, many of the key areas of Central Fife were covered. Dave Nicholson, Stuart Crawford, Keith Foster and Jim Balfour completed Thornton, Leslie and most of Newcastle in record time. Dusty Miller leafleted in South Parks.

John Holmes and George Hodgson deserve special mention however for the work they put in - John in Levenmouth and George in Collydean, Pitcoudie and Cadham. Around three thousand leaflets were delivered between them - a fantastic effort!

PUBLIC MEETINGS
Four public meetings were held in Central Fife during and in the run up to the election period. By far the most effective for recruiting were the smaller meetings where local people took the chance to sign up for Scotland's fastest growing political party. Seven people signed up to join the party, and many more expressed an interest in attending branch meetings.

A well attended anti war meeting, addressed by top of the Regional List candidate for Mid-Scotland & Fife, Linda Graham, David Mackenzie of Trident Ploughshares, and Morag Balfour was highly successful, and received positive coverage in the local press.

An anomaly in boundaries allowed a public meeting to take place in Thornton to be addressed by a council candidate based in Central Fife and the parliamentary candidate for Kirkcaldy constituency - both of whom were speaking to their electorate. Although poorly attended - blame the sunny weather - the meeting provided a useful opportunity for comrades from Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes to work together.

The opportunity was not exploited to its full potential. Both campaign teams appear to have been suffering personnel limitations, but as much was done with the people and in the time available as could possibly have been done.

HUSTINGS
Morag Balfour attended three hustings meetings. During these meetings, Morag spoke to the SSP's key policies, and brought to the fore, the aspirational policies relevant to the audiences. Feedback from audiences was positive, a sure sign that we have made in-roads in this constituency.

CONCLUSIONS
Given the severe limitations, and the unexpected adverse circumstances, credit must be given for the way that Glenrothes Branch regrouped and delivered an excellent campaign. To have survived is reward enough, the retention of the election deposit is a bonus no-one dared dream of.

This was a highly successful campaign, which will serve us well in the next session of the parliament as national issues will be taken to a local electorate looking for more than just the same old neo-liberal garbage of the so-called mainstream parties.

We are a young party, with a young and relatively inexperienced campaign team. The enthusiasm of our supporters got us through this one. We did a great job! We will do even better next time.

Candidates remain prospective until dissolution of the Scottish Parliament on 1st April 2003.
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The Scottish Socialist Party (Glenrothes Branch), c/o 73 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8QD
Tel. 0141 221 7714