LEADING SNP figures have lined up to back rivals bids for the high-profile seat of the MP suspended by the party due to a police fraud probe.
David Linden, who runs the office of a city MP, is to challenge Rosa Zambonini to contest the Glasgow East seat in the snap general election on June 8.
The seat is expected to be vacated by Natalie McGarry who defeated Labour in its old heartland by over 10,000 votes just two years ago but is barred from standing due to SNP rules.
Mr Linden, who had been tipped to stand in the area had a by-election been called due to Ms McGarry's situation, declared his intention within hours of Ms Zambonini publicly stating she wanted to become the area's MP.
Ms Zambonini just last month said she was quitting her role as a councillor in Lanarkshire due to sustained personal attacks and family responsibilities but said she had decided to pitch for Ms McGarry's seat following "time to reflect".
Former Holyrood whip and Glasgow Cathcart MSP James Dornan immediately backed Ms Zambonini's campaign, describing her as "hardworking, smart and a people person".
He said: "I am delighted that my friend and manager Rosa Zambonini has put herself forward for selection in the General Election."
But Mr Linden, who works for Glasgow Central MP Allison Thewliss, quickly won the vocal support of current and former Government ministers and several parliamentarians.
Holyrood's Europe minister Dr Alasdair Allan took to Facebook to endorse Mr Linden, while former local government minister Marco Biagi said: "A great guy, local boy, an able and tireless campaigner for more than a decade and hopefully the next MP for Glasgow East."
Glasgow North West MP Carol Monaghan said: "I think David Linden will make an excellent candidate."
And David McDonald, a leading member of the SNP in Glasgow City Council, Tweeted: "Best news I've heard all day. As a former east end councillor I know how much David cares about the area. Far and away the best person for the job."
Mr Linden told The Herald: "I've been pretty overwhelmed by the support I've received since I announced my intention to run for parliament yesterday.
"I am an east end lad born and bred and want to use my knowledge, experience and passion to make sure Glasgow East has an MP who gets on with the job."
Nominations are still some time from opening, with the SNP stating that its National Executive Committe will meet in the coming days to agree the process.
Question marks hang over Michelle Thomson's seat, another suspended by the SNP, but all other party MPs are expected to stand again.
In her statement, Ms Zambonini said: "After deliberation and discussion with my family and colleagues I have decided to seek selection for the SNP Candidacy in the Glasgow East Westminster Constituency.
"In the last few years I feel I have gained the necessary experience as a councillor, activist and within my role working for an MSP, and that it’s time for me to use this experience to benefit others. Recently I took the decision to stand back from front line politics for a variety of reasons, I have used this time to reflect and now feel like I’m in a place where I’m ready to take on such an important task."
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