Glasgow East speak out ahead of General Election 2024

Glasgow East takes in the areas of Bailleston, Carmyle, Easterhouse, Parkhead, Shettleston and Tollcross.

(Image: Glasgow East, image from UK Parliament)

Though Glasgow East was once the safest seat for the Labour Party, it is currently represented by SNP’s David Linden who has been MP since 2017. Linden chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Premature and Sick Babies and the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nutrition for Growth.

(Image: David Linden (Image: Newsquest))

Linden is being rivalled by Scottish Labour’s John Grady, as well as Matthew James Clark from the Scottish Liberal Democrats.

Thomas Kerr will be representing the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party for Glasgow East, while Amy Kettyles - co-convener of the Scottish Young Greens and student at the University of Strathclyde - will stand for the Scottish Greens and Liam McLaughlan will represent the Scottish Socialist Party.

Meanwhile, Donnie McLeod is standing for Reform UK.

READ NEXT: 'Young people are let down': Glasgow North East speak out ahead of General Election

Fuse, based on Shettleston Road, is a charity which helps youngsters across Glasgow East by providing a safe space to learn new skills and develop confidence. 

(Image: Images taken from Fuse fun day via Newsquest)

(Image: Images taken from Fuse fun day via Newsquest)

The charity, which has called Glasgow East home for over a decade now, said the new government must tackle the root causes of poverty - the biggest problem in the area, according to them. 

Gerry Baldwin, CEO of Fuse, said: "Although candidates often speak about their plans to combat poverty in the UK, many of their solutions are superficial, offering temporary relief rather than tackling the fundamental issues.

"Instead of merely providing payments that make people feel slightly better in their difficult circumstances, we should focus on genuinely lifting people out of poverty."

He added: "People need help, they need to know that whoever is in charge will have their best interests at the heart of any strategy. In July 2024 there is no evidence that this is the case.

"Communities need to be supported."

(Image: Image: The Fuse team (Image: Supplied)))

Geeza Break - based in Parkhead and Shettleston - have found the biggest problems in Glasgow East to be the lack of support for residents and the third sector. 

The charity, which was founded back in 1992 and is supported by some big names like Elaine C. Smith, has been described as a lifeline by providing respite and support services for families. 

A spokesperson for the charity said: "We continue to see a high demand and need for support in the East End of Glasgow.

"Many of the issues faced by the community are attributed to the cost-of-living crisis, with families needing support with food and energy. Many families, both children and adults, continue to address problems related to their mental health. We believe there isn’t enough support available, especially in the East End of Glasgow."

READ NEXT: I slept on the street over the 'hellhole' hostel my big brother died in

The charity went on to say that they would like to see the next government increase funding for the third sector - which they believe in turn would help the community. 

A spokesperson said: "Increasing funding would allow integral organisations, like ourselves, to continue to provide the necessary and well-needed support to the communities within Glasgow."

There are seven candidates registered to stand in the election for Glasgow East.

Matthew James Clark      Scottish Liberal Democrats 

John Grady                        Scottish Labour

Thomas Kerr                     Scottish Conservative and Unionist

Amy Kettyles                     Scottish Greens 

David Linden                     Scottish National Party 

Liam McLaughlan            Scottish Socialist Party 

Donnie McLeod                Reform UK 

Last time

Glasgow East result 2019

David Linden    SNP   18,357   47.7%

Kate Watson     Labour  12,791 33.2%

Thomas Kerr    Conservative  5,709 14.8%

James Harrison Liberal Democrat  1,626  4.2%