Voters decide in Glasgow East

Voters have been going to the polls in the Glasgow East by-election, with Labour facing a challenge from the Scottish National Party.

Labour's Margaret Curran yesterday said her party's "fightback" is underway, claiming her campaign team would knock on 10,000 doors.

But the SNP's John Mason said a victory for his party would send a "strong message to Gordon Brown".

Labour is defending a majority of 13,507 in the contest, called when MP David Marshall stood down citing health reasons.

The loss of what should be one of the party's safest seats would raise questions over the future of prime minister Gordon Brown.

In a stump speech delivered on Wednesday Curran, who is Labour MSP for the area, said: "The choice in this election could not be clearer - between someone who will use every waking hour to stand up and fight for them, or someone who is obsessed with breaking up the UK and will vote with the Tories.

"Again and again, local people are telling me they are fed up with collusion between the SNP, the Tories and some sections of the media to bad-mouth this area."

First minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond has been campaigning in the constituency every day, while visits from Labour ministers have been low-profile.

Mason said: "Labour have had their chance, they are out of touch.

"An SNP victory in Glasgow East on Thursday will send a strong message to Gordon Brown.

"It will put the east end on the map and make sure that our voice is heard."

Liberal Democrat candidate Ian Robertson spent the final day campaigning to save Parkhead Fire Station from closure.

The Conservatives' Davena Rankin said she had met many voters turning to the Tories because they are fed up with Labour "neglect" but do not want an independent Scotland.

After boundary changes in 2005 the constituency was won by Marshall with a 43.7 majority over the SNP, and the seat is Labour's third safest in Scotland.

Curran is MSP for Glasgow Baillieston, which she won last year with a relatively comfortable majority of 3,934.

The full list of candidates is: Margaret Curran (Labour); John Mason (SNP); Ian Robertson (Liberal Democrat); Frances Curran (Scottish Socialist Party); Davena Rankin (Conservative); Eileen Duke (Scottish Green Party) and Tricia McLeish (Solidarity).