Scotland's First Minister has launched his party's campaign for the Glasgow North East by-election.
The SNP is one of the first of the main parties to launch its campaign for a contest which has not yet been formally declared.
Labour has said the by-election, brought about by the resignation of former Speaker Michael Martin, will be on November 12 but the writ has yet to be formally moved. On the eve of the party’s annual conference, First Minister Alex Salmond joined SNP candidate David Kerr for Wednesday’s launch.
The SNP's campaign coordinator Stuart Hosie said: "This by-election gives the people of Glasgow North East a chance to have their say after decades of being ignored by Labour in the city chambers and Labour in London."
Mr Salmond said: "This campaign is a two-horse race between the SNP and Labour and David Kerr's got what it takes to win and end decades of Labour neglect.
"The by-election will be a contrast between two years of an SNP Government supporting people and investing in jobs and 74 years of Labour failing to protect this community."
Mr Kerr said jobs, education and independence would loom large in the campaign.
He said the constituency had the highest unemployment in Scotland, Labour-controlled Glasgow City Council was guilty of "betraying" youngsters through class sizes and school closures - and support for independence outstripped support for SNP.
Mr Kerr said: "From canvassing, I am certain that if we can win over the independence vote in this area, we can stand a good chance in this by-election."
The SNP candidate faced questioning on his views on civil partnerships.
He also faced questions on the Scottish Government's decision to axe a proposed rail link between central Glasgow and Glasgow Airport in order to save money.
