Labour In Scotland To Reinvent Itself - Again

Since last week Labour in Scotland has been without a leader.  Did you notice?  No?  Neither did I.

To be fair to Johann Lamont she accepted a poisoned chalice but it was her intense hatred of the SNP - visibly palpable at First Minister’s Questions - which didn’t permit her to be anything other than a Labour Westminster stooge.

She managed to finger her (dis)associates in London on her way out of the door but methinks her criticism will be a nine day wonder.

Who is left now?  Most of you will have read the Sunday papers by now so will be up to date with the suggested candidates.  I’ve placed a poll in the right hand column is case you wish to place your own bet. No prizes available but the satisfaction of knowing that whoever wins will continue to be under the Westminster cosh. I have not included Gordon Brown as he has apparently ruled himself out. A few speeches in the last days of the Referendum campaign has left him totally exhausted I’m informed.

It’s with some reluctance I made Sarwar the image on this post. My dislike of this career politician knows no bounds.  Since he became deputy to Johann Lamont three years ago I’ve had to restrain from throwing something at my television countless times.  Never have I heard such automated nonsense from a Scottish politician and that speaks volumes.  But the man will very possibly go farther.  He reiterates the same drivel day in day out in the media and some of it will be believed by his party faithful I suspect.

It would appear Labour in Scotland will have a new leader by the 13 December. Yesterday I read that each MP’s vote is worth 100 times that of a grass roots party member.  That’s about par for the level of democracy wielded by London Labour.

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Political Duplicity

It's alleged the Falkirk MP Eric Joyce, started a rammy (brawl) in the Strangers Bar in the Palace of Westminster on Wednesday night.  He is said to have attacked the Tory MP Stuart Andrew, several other Tory MPs and a Labour colleague after complaining the bar was 'full of Tories'.

The police were called and Eric Joyce was held overnight at a London police station on suspicion of assault. It is reported he left the police station last night after being charged with three counts of common assault.

I've no wish to comment on Joyce's behaviour because it would appear, throughout his careers, he's encouraged animosity amongst his peers and superiors, but I would like to highlight the hypocrisy of the political classes.

All food and drink (including alcohol) supplied within the Palace of Westminster is heavily subsidised by the taxpayer; the catering subsidy for the financial year ending 31 March 2011 was £5.8m. That fact alone irritates me particularly when the governments of the UK and Scotland are attempting to bring forward legislation which will increase the price of alcohol to those of us who aren't privileged enough to have it subsidised.

All the bars in the Palace of Westminster and Holyrood should be closed unless hotel prices are implemented. Alcohol and work don't mix and the excuse for having bars within parliament buildings has long gone. The House of Commons seldom sits late into the night and Holyrood has never had the need. Cafes can supply a varied selection of non-alcoholic beverages and there are plenty restaurants and eating houses for politicians to enjoy the best quality food.

If this event had happened anywhere other than Westminster by anyone other than an MP it would be an example of the disgraceful 'yob' culture infecting these islands and followed by politicians calling for action.

One journalist shows sympathy with politicians because 'most MPs drinking there are doing so because they haven't really got anywhere else to go...Sometimes they just don't want to go 'home' to a London flat they find lonely'.  I find Mr Kirkup's empathic article somewhat outside the real world. There are many thousands of people who have to leave their families on a weekly or longer basis in order to do their work. Few have the luxury of taxpayer-funded 'homes' or 5 star bars and restaurants.

For some years I travelled regularly and yes, I did find it lonely, because I was in a different part of the country each time, but I was able to entertain myself during my off duty hours. An MP's London workplace is the Palace of Westminster which caters for their every whim. The whole of London culture and entertainment is on their doorstep so there is no reason for any MP to be in their workplace outwith their working hours.

One fact of life is certain. Eric Joyce will remember yesterday morning's hangover for a very, very long time.

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Tales from a small country - Yes, First Minister (Guest Post)

A guest post by Sheila.

There has been much fuss and bluster in the press recently regarding  civil servants, past and present, “going native”. The spin seems to be that the mandarins are “parroting” the SNP agenda. Well I’m starting to wonder just who is parroting whom.  

Sir John Elvidge was Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Government from July 2003 - June 2010. In June of this this year he delivered the Michael Shea Memorial Lecture at an event hosted by the International Futures Forum and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. In his speech he jokes about how the majority of the Scottish population have never heard of the Scotland Performs website.. What, you too?  He continues to explain that the site is part of what he has recently learned from his contacts in Australia to call the Scottish Model of Government.

What we should be focusing on is just how this brave new Scottish Model of Government came about. It was reported quite widely, by the Guardian amongst others - with a link to Sir John’s report: Northern Exposure - Lessons from the first twelve years of devolved government in Scotland.

Maybe it is a bit dry compared with civil servants “going native” or maybe it is too much to ask that our MSPs think for themselves and dig just a wee bit deeper?

In the article,“ Lessons from Scotland on streamlining government”,  Sir John says that “radical changes he made under the minority SNP party in 2007 – which involved abolishing departments, redefining top civil service roles and aligning the entire Scottish public sector around a single framework of national purpose that would be tracked and measured – were a world first.”

Suddenly - apparently - everyone is learning lessons from Scotland - Wales has been since June. Our current elected members are probably glowing with pride and self-congratulation....  Quite why, I’m not sure, because they don’t seem to have had a lot to do with any of this..

"A key theme throughout this report is our recognition of
the progress made over the last four years by the Scottish
Government in developing the National Performance
Framework (NPF). As one of our members put it: “The most
important fact about the NPF is that it exists”. The innovative
work and thinking in developing it should not be overlooked,
and those involved in its inception deserve praise.

However, we are very concerned that through the ebb
and flow of politics – and with regular elections – there is
a significant risk of all this experience being lost and the
framework itself being abandoned either now or in the
future”.

The quote is from a recent Carnegie Foundation report: More than GDP:Measuring what matters (taking dry to new level!) by the Round Table on Measuring Economic Performance and Social Progress in Scotland of which Sir John is also a member. 

The  Round Table took the findings of the 2009 Stiglitz Report (positively dessicated!), which emerged from a Commission established by President Sarkozy and recommended that Scotland should shift its emphasis from measuring economic performance to measuring wellbeing; all within the National Performance Framework that Sir John is so proud to have brought into being and is keen to export to the rest of the UK and beyond. 

In late 2010, Professor Stiglitz became a member of the Council of Economic Advisers which was set up in 2007 to advise the First Minister on the best way to improve Scotland’s sustainable economic growth rate and last month a stampede of NGOs signed up to a briefing paper urging the Government to revise the National Performance Framework along the lines recommended by the “Carnegie Round Table” which, as previously stated above, puts a kilt on the Stiglitz report. 

So quite how this process is at any risk whatsoever from the "ebb and flow of politics" and "regular elections" is a bit of a mystery to me.

Whether Sir John's system of governance  is for good or bad, it seems to be happening  and going places... 

Meanwhile the “over-arching purpose” of  this system seems to be changing to bring us in line with a report commissioned by a French president, written by an American economist, rubber stamped by the EU and  currently being implemented across the globe. Interesting times, as they say... 

So where exactly do our elected members fit into this process? And would the process have been any different with another variety of politician "in power"?  Sir John seems to have a pretty cosy relationship with the last lot too. 

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The Kirking And A New Presiding Officer

The Kirking of the Scottish Parliament took place earlier this evening with newly elected MSPs gathering for the first time.  The multi-faith religious service, with the sermon delivered by the Most Reverend Mario Conti, Archbishop of Glasgow, marked the start of the new parliament took place in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh (pictured) and was attended by the Earl of Wessex.

The Kirking of the Parliament dates back to before the 1707 Act of Union.  It was an occasion which blended the influence of church and politics - an influence which continues to this day, although not to the same degree.

After this event the Scottish Parliament is required to elect a new presiding officer.
Names in the hat include two SNP MSPs, Tricia Marwick and Christine Grahame.

Tomorrow the new MSPs will take the oath and as well as a new PO, two deputy presiding officers will be elected.

Tricia Marwick is a popular and down to earth MSP but she represents an area which has been, until very recently, dominated by Labour and the LibDems.  I wish her well but my concern is that her withdrawal from activity in Fife could harm her standing.

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Labour Labours On In Scotland

The following is an email I received from one of my readers.  He's not the first to complain about the nonsensical policies Labour promise in their manifesto and I suspect this form of electoral material is partly to blame for turning people to the much more realistic SNP. Last week many journalists in the Scottish MSM gave advice to Labour on improving their campaign strategy.


My advice is they should have another relaunch on Monday.
  
Just got a pile of waste paper in the mail box. And Labour's attempt to con me has quotes from Iain Gray, who is seemingly claiming to be Scottish Labour Leader. Now if I understand it right, there is no Scottish Labour party to lead, he is only Labour leader in Holyrood, a different thing altogether.

However, I digress.

The quotes:  "...Now the Tories are back, we need a strong Government in Scotland fighting for working people . My first priority is to make sure you and your family aren't left to pay the price of Tory cuts". Iain Gray. Scottish Labour's leader.


Why do we need the cuts? Because of labour stupidity.

Also, "Scottish Labour will not introduce tuition fees... will guarantee apprenticeships for qualified youngsters. Within 100 days, labour in government will be creating 10,000 jobs for unemployed youngsters".

All this to re-elect one Dr Richard Simpson for Labour.  I'd be more likely to vote for Homer Simpson and that wouldn't happen either. 

I dont know what the writer of the pamphlet was smoking when he wrote it, but if the dreams are that good, where can we get some ?

I was tempted to go into battle with an email for a few seconds, then thought what's the point, it's like trying to teach a pig to sing; it just wastes your time and annoys the pig.


This morning sees the Scotland on Sunday come out in support of Alex Salmond and the SNP.  Who says a leopard never changes its spots?

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A Tearoom Conversation

There's panic in the unionist camps with the publication of the latest poll.  Who would have thought the SNP and Labour are neck and neck?  I would.

Here in the east of Scotland there's hardly a word said in favour of labour and their candidates.  Even labour supporters admit those standing on an SNP ticket are head and shoulders above the red rosette wearers.

Tonight, at 9pm on STV - unfortunately not for viewers in England - there is the first of the leaders debates.  It's to the disappointment of many that the Green party aren't included, not least because I think Patrick Harvie is an excellent speaker, but I thought Scotland was about fairness.

There has been little of interest in the campaign trail today but I do have a wee story from visitors I have staying at present.

Yesterday they 'did' the tourist route through the Grampians and stopped for a drink at a Grantown-on-Spey tearoom.  Sitting next to them was a group of local ladies, one of whom had obviously returned from some health spa, as they were all discussing the benefits of such places.  The one who felt like a new woman was extolling the results of colonic irrigation and didn't hesitate to respond to her friends' queries descriptively.

During one of her answers a figure, dressed in a smart suit and wearing an SNP rosette, approached the table. Obviously he was known to one of the coterie who insisted he sit down and join in, meanwhile explaining the topic of conversation.  They were extremely impressed by his nonplused demeanor, even when a few minutes later the faces turned to him in anticipation of a response.  "I'll have to check out if we have a policy about colonic irrigation, but I can say I will definitely bring the subject to the attention of those in charge of policy and get back to you."

My visitors were still eavesdropping when the SNP chap rose and excused themselves, only the hear one of the ladies say, to howls of laughter, "He will you know, he will.  He'll also tell us why they won't have a colonic irrigation policy in their manifesto."

My visitors were, to put it mildly, tickled pink by the informality of campaigning here north of the border because, coming from the south of England, they are used to candidates selecting their encounters with the public.

As I told them today, they now have another tale for their dinner parties which, I assure you, are absolutely wonderful.  Can't wait until I can next visit them.

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Unionists Prefer To See The SNP Back In Government

One in five Labour supporters wants to see Alex Salmond voted back into office as First Minister.  The Ipsos Mori survey results also show that nearly a third of Tories and LibDems would prefer to keep the SNP in office.

The results fired speculation over a possible coalition between the SNP and the Tories or a 'rainbow' pact with the SNP, the LibDems and the Greens.  The SNP deny they would accept the possibility of an alliance with the Tories, although in this area, which was Tory for years before John Swinney historic win, there are plenty Tory voters who do believe in independence.  But such an alliance would never be accepted in many parts of Scotland so it's a non-starter.

Tonight it was announced there will be leaders' debate in the run up to 5 May.  Good. It's only right television is used because it is the medium which reaches the majority of the population.

However, niggling away at the back of my mind is the manner in which the MSM's attitude has changed in the past couple of weeks with regard to the SNP government and Alex Salmond in particular.  Such a speedy change of heart smacks a little of media tactics to build up the SNP after months of building up Labour.  The Scottish media know full well Scots tend to favour the underdog, so is this the beginning of an 'underdog swap'?

Alex Salmond speaks for Scotland:  he is the only leader in the Scottish Parliament who has no party affiliation to Westminster. It will be vital he ensures he doesn't allow his party or himself to be placed on a pedestal during the campaign.  It won't be an easy task, but if anyone in Scottish politics has the skills, it's the leader of the SNP.

source

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Ms Goldie Changes Tack

The Scottish Tories are reported as being set to do a major policy U-turn and go into the Scottish election offering to form a coalition to get into government at Holyrood.

By the sound of it any party will do as long as the prize is power.

"That is the way we are thinking," one senior Tory said yesterday. "With the party in a coalition at Westminster, we would look daft ruling out coalitions here. In 2007 it was difficult to see us as a realistic coalition party. But nothing is ruled out now. The question is whether we coalesce with Labour or the SNP.

"A coalition with Labour would be extremely difficult, given the situation at Westminster. The SNP is difficult because of the constitutional issue. But if the constitutional issue could be parked and you ask 'are there areas of common ground?' The answer is yes. It would be difficult but possible. It is not inconceivable." 

The question is would the SNP be interested in entering into a coalition with the Tories?  Unless they agree to support the cause of independence I doubt if there is the slightest chance, which would leave them having to join with Labour should they not win outright.  Would the SNP consider 'parking' the constitutional issue?  That would upset many of their supporters including this one.

Who would have believed that the Tories would tout their shortcomings around Holyrood in a desperate bid for power.  Many of their supporters will be thinking they've lost any dignity they've had since 1999 and I know some who wish they would disband and regroup as a Scottish party without any connection to their present masters in London.

Power creates strange bedfellows.  Kenny Farquharson adds his pennyworth here.

source

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Bills Galore

Alex Salmond set out the Scottish government's new legislative programme today by stating: "The outlook for public spending was the worst it has been since the aftermath of the Second World War. Everything we do in this session of Parliament and every legislative programme for many years to come will be set against that context."

"Now that we face a public sector hurricane, never was the case for independence and financial responsibility more obvious and true.

"For make no mistake: devolution, as we knew it, is over.

"When the money from London, or rather delivered via London, is being cut, then the game has changed, and changed totally."

He, once again, called for the Scottish Government to be given the power to raise cash arguing that Scotland needs control of its own resources and the ability to grow revenue, rather than just cut expenditure.

"We need control over both sides of the Scottish balance sheet."

The Budget Bill for 2011-12 will be one of 10 bills brought forward before next May's Scottish elections.

New legislation includes Bills for unscrupulous rogue landlords, the end of double jeopardy, assistance for victims of forced marriage and those at risk of forced marriage. Mr Salmond restated his administration's determination not to sell or mutualise Scottish Water but to keep it in public hands but a Bill will be put forward which would build on Scottish Water's success and it would be given the power to become one of the largest generators of renewable electricity on this land.

The plans for a Bill to enable a referendum on independence will still be published but it will not be put to the vote in Holyrood before the next election. It's common knowledge that the unionist parties intend to scupper it so Mr Salmond will presumably be campaigning on the fact that the unionists refuse to allow the Scots a vote on the future of their country.

A clever and well-calculated programme. Further details can be read here.

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Holyrood High Jinks

What is going on with the opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament? I understand part of their job is to scrutinise the government and I could accept if they even used a jewellers loupe, but this past week or so matters have taken a turn for the worse, not for the government but for labour in particular, who are beginning to look like spiteful time wasters.

First up was John Swinney who has been accused of breaking the rules in his dealing with a duke and a developer planning a controversial wind farm. Mark Rowley, deputy chairman of the local community council complained of Mr Swinney's conduct to Sir John Elvidge. Now let me guess what party Mr Rowley may support...

Next up was a labour MSP calling for an inquiry to investigate Alex Salmond's role in the class sizes row. He stated, "We've serious concerns that the SNP Government has broken three of their own codes of conduct."

And finally all opposition parties wasted time criticising the First Minister's choice of Christmas card.

Let's hope today FMQs has some sobriety about it. Will Mr Gray finally pull off his desire to convey the earnest sincerity of an evangelist preacher on a Save the Sinners mission? Will Ms Goldie achieve her aim of receiving a Yes from the First Minister regarding her call for more health visitors? Will Mr Scott's dresser forget his client's cufflinks? We can but wait.

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MSPs Snub Their Own Parliament

I have to admit I noticed the rows of empty desks during the official celebrations in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. It seems 48 MSPs decided to stay away and ignore the event.

Magnus Linklater puts it succinctly - 'What a lamentable affair.' Very true indeed. These absentees should be named and shamed. They have their jobs because the public voted them into office (well some of them; others crept in by the back door).

I'm no ardent royalist, but to ignore such an occasion when our 83 year old Queen and her 89 year old husband took the trouble to attend, is downright bad manners. MSPs have no excuse as they knew of yesterday's ceremony as long ago as last October with an update on arrangements issued at the start of April this year.

Of the individual parties 26 out of 47 SNP MSPs were present, labour had 29 out of 46 there, the tories had 13 out of 16 and the libdems 11 out of 16. One of two Green MSPs turned up but the sole independent MSP did not.

Christine Grahame, the SNP MSP, admitted that she had stayed away because of her republican sympathies. She said, "I had no intention of being there and I made my position clear before the event. I do not want to be seen as a hypocrite. I do not believe in the aristocracy running our country."

Ms Grahame, until we have legislation to the contrary, you should conform to the wishes of your electorate and I do hope they're not impressed with your behaviour on this occasion. Of course party spokesmen are verbose with their excuses with one saying, "They were further eight who had already booked their holidays as the Parliament is in recess and it was before we were notified about the Queen's visit." Rubbish. I don't believe eight booked their holidays 8 months in advance.

Some 10 year old children travelled from as far afield as Canada, the US and Germany yet a third of our representatives refused to attend. What a disgrace and a sad day for Scottish politics.

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10 Years On

Ten years ago today there was dancing in the streets of Edinburgh as the Queen made her way to the new Scottish Parliament.

Ten years later it's still there, the Queen is present again and the Parliament celebrates its first decade since it was reconvened.

A low key ceremony, a thoughtful speech from the Queen and a generous speech from Alex Salmond finalised the formal celebrations in the chamber, while Tom Devine and Joyce McMillan commented from within the BBC studio.

Joyce McMillan made the statement that there had been silent revolution in Scotland in the past 10 years and the people were now energised and aware of their identities and culture. Tom Devine concurred but insisted it's a sake of continually progressing to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of Scotland and nowhere else.

Alex Massie's post this morning is worth a read and although he doesn't support independence, it is a fair assessment of the present situation.

Exciting times ahead I hope and certainly I was pleased to hear both commentators mention how competent the SNP is in government. Onwards and upwards!

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