Lib Dem leaders hit the Dunfermline campaign trail

12.54.24pm GMT Wed 8th Feb 2006

It's neck and neck between Willie Rennie and Labour in the Dunfermline by-election and every single vote will count. This is the message that Nicol Stephen, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, impressed upon local people as he joined Willie Rennie on the campaign trail this morning.

With less than 24 hours until polls open, the party is increasingly confident that it can close the gap on Labour with more and more Conservative and SNP voters switching to support the Lib Dems. Campaigning efforts have been stepped up yet again with Scottish leader Nicol Stephen leading the full team of Lib Dem MSPs out on the doorsteps on Tuesday evening before returning again this morning to join Willie Rennie on an eve-of-poll walkabout in Dunfermline High Street.

Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats, Sir Menzies Campbell MP, will also hit the campaign trail, flying straight up from London after Prime Minister's Questions to drive home the message that only a few votes currently separate Willie Rennie and Labour.

Speaking today, Nicol Stephen said:

"It will be a clear choice at the polls on Thursday. The election result is balancing on a knife-edge and Willie Rennie is the only candidate who can beat Labour in Dunfermline and West Fife.

"Willie has fought a strong and positive campaign on the issues that matter most to local people and it is now clear that there is a growing and powerful swing in his favour.

"More and more Conservative and SNP voters are switching their support to the Lib Dems and backing Willie Rennie to win. They realise that this is a two-horse race between Willie Rennie and the Labour candidate.

"The people of Dunfermline have a real opportunity to elect a strong champion for their area by voting Liberal Democrat and electing Willie Rennie."

Willie Rennie added:

"The clear message that I am getting on the doorsteps is that local people feel let down by Labour and that it is time for a change.

"I am determined to be a powerful voice for local people, standing up against the £4 tolls, against Fife Council's neglect of the High Street and in favour of new investment in our schools and local health services at the Queen Margaret hospital.

"We've won the argument to stop the £4 tolls. We are closing the gap on Labour and the Lib Dems can win in Dunfermline and West Fife on Thursday."