Labour set to hold seat in Scottish stronghold

By Keith Weir

GLASGOW (Reuters) - The Labour Party was expected to hold on to a parliamentary seat in one of its Scottish strongholds after voters went to the polls on Thursday in probably the last such test before a general election.

The vote in the Glasgow North East constituency, one of the most socially deprived in the country, comes after parliament speaker Michael Martin stood down earlier this year following criticism of his handling of an expenses scandal.

The scandal exposing politicians' lavish expenses claims has hurt all the main parties.

Labour, in power since 1997, has seen its ratings hit by an enduring recession and a rising death toll among British troops in Afghanistan. The Conservatives are expected to win a general election due by next June.

However, the Glasgow seat has been held by Labour for 74 years and the party's candidate, Willie Bain was expected to survive a challenge from the Scottish National Party (SNP).

SNP activists were playing down their chances, saying they would be pleased to run Bain close. Results are expected at about 2 a.m. British time on Friday.

Analysts said that the poll would give an indication of how much Labour could rely on its core support as it attempts to head off the predicted Conservative win nationally next year.

A shock Labour defeat could even prompt a final effort to unseat Prime Minister Gordon Brown. A rebellion by Labour parliamentarians petered out earlier this year and Brown, a Scot, is expected to cling on to power for the time being.