Dunn emerges as frontrunner to replace Robin Cook

WEST LOTHIAN Council's deputy leader, Willie Dunn, is emerging as a frontrunner as the Labour candidate to contest the by-election to replace Robin Cook as Livingston MP.

The one time youngest councillor in Scotland has represented the Calderwood seat on West Lothian Council since 1999.

He has made no secret of the fact that his future career may lie outwith West Lothian Council, having openly declared it on the Livi Lions website.

The by-election for the Livingston seat is not likely to take place until late October or November.

Speaking about the sudden death of Mr Cook, Livingston MSP Bristow Muldoon said: "Robin Cook was a good friend, whose advice I often called upon, and he will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by his many friends here in West Lothian, and it is tragic that he has been lost at such a young age.

"My first thoughts at this time are for his wife and family, to whom the shock of his sudden death will be greatest."

Mr Cook's funeral will take place in St Gile's Cathedral, Edinburgh, at 11am on Friday, August 12.