All of Dunfermline’s by-election candidates have backed the prospect of Parliament being able to recall politicians who have broken the law.
The pledge came amid a hotly-contested Courier Debates session ahead of Thursday’s crunch vote, which was brought about after previous incumbent Bill Walker finally quit following his conviction for 23 cases of domestic abuse over a near 30-year period.
The SNP candidate Shirley-Anne Somerville said First Minister Alex Salmond has written to Scottish Secretary Alastair Carmichael to request the power is devolved to Holyrood.
Susan Leslie, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats, insisted her party backs the change at Westminster but “cool heads” were needed when any decisions were being made.As it happened: follow our live updates from the nightThe proposed closures of Pitcorthie, Wellwood and Crombie schools opened a schism between the candidates with Labour’s Cara Hilton and Ms Somerville exchanging barbs over the issue.
A group of parents campaigning to keep the primaries open ramped up the noise level but thanked politicians and the media for highlighting the issue.
The transfer of accident and emergency and maternity services to Kirkcaldy provoked a passionate and noisy reaction, with NHS workers telling of their dismay at the changes.
Scottish Green candidate Zara Kitson upset the applecart when it came to the current council tax freeze by opposing it and instead proposing a major reformation of the system.
For full coverage of the debate, see Wednesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.