Why the Liberal Democrats are the only real challengers in Edinburgh South

Click here to see the result of the last General Election here

Edinburgh South is the ninth most marginal constituency in Britain. At the last UK General Election the Labour MP had a majority of just 405 over the Liberal Democrats in the Edinburgh South Westminster Constituency. The Conservatives came third and the SNP came fourth.

The next General Election will be fought on exactly the same boundaries as the 2005 General Election.

There is also an Edinburgh South Constituency in the Scottish Parliament. 83% of the Westminster Constituency is also part of the Edinburgh South Scottish Parliament constituency which is held by Liberal Democrat MSP - Mike Pringle.

In March 2006 local resident and campaigner Fred Mackintosh was chosen as the Liberal Democrat challenger. Since them Fred has been campaigning hard for real change and a better deal for Edinburgh South.

On 3rd May 2007 Mike Pringle was re-elected with a majority of 1,929 votes over Labour, up from just 158 in 2003. In that election the SNP came third and the Conservatives (who had been telling everyone they could win) fourth.

Liberal Democrats in 'Pole Position'

With just 405 votes separating the parties Labour know that Lib Dem Fred Mackintosh is the only real challenger to their MP in Edinburgh South:-

• Edinburgh South is one of the most marginal constituencies in the House of Commons. It is the closest Labour/Liberal Democrat marginal.

• Election guru Professor John Curtice tips Fred Mackintosh to win in Edinburgh South.

• In March 2008 former Home Secretary Charles Clarke sent a memo to the local Labour MP in March 2008 showing that Edinburgh South could be lost to the Liberal Democrats on a swing of less than 1%. You can read his 'doomsday memo' through this hyperlink..

• In March 2009 Senior Sources in the local Labour party described the Lib Dems as being in "pole position" in Edinburgh South.

• October 2009 - PoliticsHome Index Poll of key marginal constituencies predicts a Lib Dem win in Edinburgh South at the General Election.

If you want to know who to believe look at their form...

2007 - Tories said only they could beat Labour in Edinburgh South: Lib Dem MSP Mike Pringle re-elected; Tories fourth behind SNP.

2005 - Tories said only they could beat Labour in Edinburgh South: Labour MP holds on by 405 votes over Lib Dems; Tories in third place.

2003 - Tories said only they could beat Labour in Edinburgh South: Lib Dem MSP Mike Pringle elected by just 158 votes; Tories in third place.

2001 - Tories said only they could beat Labour in Edinburgh South: Big swing to Lib Dems. Labour MP holds on ahead of Lib Dems; Tories in third place.