If he is intending to stand for election at Holyrood asap (or I imagine in the 2016 election), then surely it would be unfair to expect him to stand for MP in ER next year, when he has committed to leave the year after?

He can't do both jobs well. Maybe him and Ken could swap.

Actually, he might not have to give up his seat, it might get taken off him :)

Ladbrokes have cut the odds on an SNP win in East Ren in 2015 from 10/1 to 3/1. With the Tories now at 20/1 it's a 2 horse race.

I think Jim Murphy would have more chance switching to the Tories, unless he's too right wing for them

I see Anwar has been made to resign to, so that there can be an MSP deputy, so someone can represent them in Holyrood. Not being told what to do by London at all!

You have to question UK Labour's strategy here- majority of Scots fed up with Labour and out of touch politicians, especially Blairite New Labour, ruled and dictated to by London, incapable of speaking on policies without being told by London what to say....so what do they do? Put forward a Westminster-based candidate, from the centre of New Labour, arch-Blairite, never had a proper job in his life.... I predict a split in the Labour Party if this goes the way it looks like it might at the Gen Election.

Who's your candidate thecon?

What are the expenses for an msp ,Jim needs over 200000 just to stand still