General Election 2010 – The battle for Glasgow Central in UK spotlight

Anas Sarwar: hoping to follow his father to Westminster

The Glasgow Central seat will be one of the most closely-watched contests in Scotland, if not the UK. It is a key constituency for Labour and SNP. Held by Labour’s Mohammad Sarwar since 1997, it covers a diverse mixture of communities from Toryglen on the South side to Finnieston across the river.
Mohammad has passed the torch to his son Anas, who will be in fierce competition with Osama Saeed of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Both are young, Scots-born Asians, eager to make their name in politics.
Anas Sarwar is a dentist by profession and has been a Labour Party member since the age of 16. ‘Housing is the most important issue over the whole area,’ he told the LOCAL NEWS GLASGOW. ‘Whether it is the condition of houses or the lack of social housing.’
He’s clear that the choice for voters is either Gordon Brown or David Cameron. ‘The Scottish seats matter, especially if there is a hung Parliament.’
Osama Saeed was Executive of the Scottish Islamic Foundation and a former Westminster employee of SNP leader Alex Salmond. ‘For decades Glasgow has been let down by Labour MPs and Labour politicians. I think people in the city are listening to the SNP. We are running Labour 50-50 and heading towards independence which will happen because of Glasgow rather than in spite of it.’ He added: ‘Parliament has to reflect the diversity of society. I’m standing to represent the people of Glasgow regardless of my faith or background.’
Others expected to contest Glasgow Central include: John Bradley – Conservative, Chris Young – Lib Dem, Alistair Whitelaw – Green, and James Nesbitt – SSP.

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