It Doesn't Do It For Me

The Scottish Tories have launched a new logo (image above).

Ruth Davidson, the party leader, said it was: "bold, fresh and easy to recognise. Obviously inspired by the St Andrew's Cross, it is distinctly Scottish but with colours which clearly reflect our pride in the United Kingdom".

 My attention was drawn to this by a tory-voting friend who is outraged. Her rant included the following remarks:

"What's Scottish about it?"

"If they needed something to reflect their pride in the UK what's wrong with the Union flag?"

"I'll not be giving any more money to the cause. Nobody squanders my money on such nonsense."

Seems as if the Scottish tories may have lost another supporter and certainly I agree with her query about its Scottishness.  A wee of daub of Pantone 300 (the azure in the Saltire) conveys the Tories lack of interest in Scotland.

Naw, it doesn't do it or me - nor my friend, but the one below does.

This logo courtesy of BBC Scotlandshire.co.uk

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The Scottish Tories Could Be The Independence Referendum Catalysts

The campaign to win Scottish independence will be launched on 25 May.

In the past few months I've been asked several times if I think the pro-independence side will win.  I've ducked the answer but think it's time I gave my opinion.

I've no wish to be a doom-monger but my feeling is that no, I don't think we will win.  Not this time, sadly, but I know the Yes campaign will give it all it's got.  We will win eventually and I hope in my lifetime.  It takes time for those not interested in political machinations to discover and consider the true facts and that will take longer than a couple of years.

Peter Fraser, the former Angus MP now commonly known as Lord Fraser of Carmyllie, conceded the 'inevitability' of Scottish independence this week.  He was right.  It is inevitable.  He also said:  " ... while the SNP might not win the referendum in 2014, the issue would not disappear following a defeat.  It will just go on and on until the electorate are ground down into voting for it."

It's a wee bit of an insult to say that people will be 'ground down' rather than become aware, but perhaps I'm being pedantic.

I suspect there are many Scottish tories who feel like Lord Fraser because I know quite a few who will vote Yes in 2014, but will other Scottish tories be brave enough to say Yes in 2014?  These tories could well be the voters who decide if the answer is Yes or No in 2014.

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Sun, Sea and Tories

Thanks to Scottish tories' London masters latest scandal courtesy of Peter Cruddas, the Scottish tories' get together on Friday and Saturday at sunny Troon, may well slip off the keyboards of the Sundays. To show a little charity, I thought the following may compensate a little for their lack of publicity.

The leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party (SCUP), gave her first conference speech yesterday. Why does the woman insist on looking - and sounding- so aggressive?  Years ago women were regularly labelled aggressive when, to my mind, they were assertive, but Ms Davidson certainly displays an unpleasant combative style, which is unbecoming.

Back to her speech and a few of my observations. She's intent upon ridding the Scottish party of 'deadwood' in order to introduce new talent. Bye bye Annabel Goldie and a host of other senior MSPs.

Also she's not happy with the manner in which SCUPpered's list MSPs are chosen so there will be even less input from its grassroots members and more control from the top.

As for the teenager who suggests a Scottish cancer drugs fund, joining Cancer Research UK won't achieve it. Money raised for that charity goes directly to it's England HQ and only a tiny proportion is returned to Scotland. There is a cancer drugs fund operational in England but is one necessary in Scotland?  It seems odd to me that England's fund includes drugs which would normally be available through existing PCT processes: the indication will be one that has either not been appraised by NICE or has not been recommended following appraisal (6.5).

Cancer is a hellish disease and if a sufferer has evidence that a specific medicine may be appropriate for them, then we should ensure speedy consideration and evaluation be given to the patient's suggestion.  Does that require a fund?

Sadly Ms Davidson was forced to rely upon party heid bummers from south of the border to prop herself up and yes "we know we get more from sticking together than we would from splitting apart" was in it too.  The Unionists never fail to deliver.

Last, but by no means least, Ms Davidson wants a new logo for SCUP. Having wracked my artistic brain for many hours - ok, I confess it was a quick Google - dare I suggest this one:

Scottish Conservative 

and Unionist Party

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Another New Group. How Many Do The Unionists Need?

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party is to have its annual conference in Troon next Friday and Saturday. Is the town prepared for an influx of fearless, gray-haired Tory women who regularly make 'their' conference an annual outing?

Without these groupies I think Gerald Warner, in a scathing attack on the Tories, could be correct when he says the conference will be held 'allegedly in the concert hall, more likely in the adjoining telephone kiosk'.

Where I do disagree with him is about Murdo Fraser's attempt to resuscitate his party because Murdo at least showed he had given some serious though to its future.

At the conference Ruth Davidson (the leader of SCUP pictured), intends to launch a new group aimed at keeping Scotland in the Union.  She says the Conservative Friends of the Union (CFU) would be organised on a local government basis and anyone who shares its support for Scotland remaining part of the UK can sign up for their local CFU group, which will be launched over the summer.

What political party launches anything during the summer?  Not one which can be taken seriously.  I live in an area which used to be predominately Tory and I'll be watching closely for any evidence of a local group here.

How many more 'fight these dreadful supporters of independence' groups do Scots need?  Labour has already announced their group as have the Libdems. One of the unionists' favourite reasons for Scotland staying in the Union is "stronger together, weaker apart". If they believed that they could be a serious opposition in the campaign, but politicians never practice what they preach, so there's little chance of the anti-independence side making a marked impact.

Oh, in case anyone has planned to attend the Tory conference, the speakers at the Rally for the Union, which is to be chaired by the party's former leader Annabel Goldie, will include Ms Davidson, Secretary of State for Wales Cheryl Gillan MP and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, who is the co-chair of the UK Conservative Party.  Surely that group of lovelies must tempt someone.

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"Dysfunctional Morons"

Yesterday I was slightly surprised Paul McBride didn't appear on the Politics Show, but having the new Scottish leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party - she insists upon the full title - as a guest, then it's perhaps as well Mr McBride wasn't invited.

Paul McBride QC was the youngest person ever to be appointed to the Queens Council at the age of 35. He is no shrinking violet, but which QC is?  They're all performers with a intricate knowledge of the law, but without Equity cards. His legal career is as colourful as his political opinions and he's a man I think I may enjoy having to dinner, mainly because he's unafraid to change his political thinking.  Unfortunately I doubt if I could persuade him that Scotland should be an independent country, but the discussion would be vibrant.  I dream.

Mr McBride, who appears to have always held strong political views was a lifelong member of the Labour party until he decided, in 2009, after growing sick of seeing his former clients shopping on the high street when they were supposed to be locked up, he would join SCUP. His reason was that they were 'the only party serious about tackling the Scottish justice system'.

He was adopted as justice adviser to the ex-leader Annabel Goldie and now, hours after the tories have elected a new leader, he's resigned.  He said he quit over the tories' opposition to anti-sectarian and minimum pricing laws, yet I feel that's not all.  Resigning within hours of the election of Ruth Davidson must be a a blow to her and her henchmen.

“It had nothing to do with Ruth winning. I resigned over their performance on criminal justice, in particular their approach to the Offensive Behaviour Bill.

“They are the most moronic, dysfunctional, introspective bunch of MSPs I’ve ever seen.

“They have no interest in the people of Scotland. Their only interest is their careers."

Oh dear, not an positive endorsement of the new leadership.  I wouldn't dare to suggest Mr McBride has little time for the new leader Ruth Davidson.

He says he will not join another political party. Good for him.  Nobody needs to be a member of a political party and his decision will allow him to act on the political stage without having to toe the party line. Welcome to those of independent thought Mr McBride.

Meantime, Ms Davidson is off to London today to be congratulated by her boss colleague David Cameron on a job well done. She must keep him on side as finances are short in SCUP and CallMeDave will be writing the cheques for their anti-referendum campaign.

source

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Scottish Tories Miss A Trick

Ruth Davidson is the new leader of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.  She beat off her rival, Murdo Fraser, by 566 votes and certainly surprised some who voted in this poll.

Ms Davidson was reported as being the favoured candidate of the Westminster Tory leadership, although she only managed to acquire the support of two MSPs - in contrast to Murdo Fraser who garnered support from seven of his parliamentary colleagues.

The only tory MP in Scotland, David Mundell, who avidly supported Ms Davidson at every opportunity, said:

“I’m delighted with the result. Clearly the members want change.

“Ruth is a dynamic young human being who’s not a stereotypical Tory. She’s not a toff for example.

The members want change?  Maybe, but they'll certainly not get it with Ruth Davidson in charge.  By electing Ms Davidson they know there will be no change. During her campaign she was articulate and quick witted but she offered little other than a 'fresh face' to the near demise of her party.

Is David Mundell, with his 'not a toff' remark, suggesting Annabel Goldie and previous tory leaders were toffs? Ruth Davidson may not be a toff in David Mundell's eyes but when I discovered she'd used - and presumably paid for - one of Edinburgh's elite restaurants to make her first leader's speech on Friday, I was convinced she's toffier than 90% of the Scottish population.

 I've attending meetings where Murdo Fraser has been speaking and he's certainly not a toff. He may have the character of a plodding politician but he is aware that many of his grassroots supporters now vote SNP.  Why?  Because they want change; mainly in the form of separation from London.

Robbie Dinwoodie reports part of Ms Davidson's acceptance speech, in the Herald:

“With the radical, generational change that I represent, this is a unique opportunity for us to rebuild the party and to once again become a powerful, meaningful and relevant force in Scottish politics and in Scottish life,” said Ms Davidson.

Radical, generational change? A little too much gilding of the lilly there, but then Ms Davidson is an ex-BBC employee. Generational change is natural and certainly not radical, particularly when she intends to stick with old policies and has nothing new to offer.

The only hope for the Scottish tories was Murdo Fraser's intention of creating a new party. Many would say he was foolish to expose his thinking during the campaign and if he'd stuck with the 'party line' he would have been a shoo-in.  However, he disagrees and insists 'the principle was everything'.  Will Murdo Fraser be encouraged to break away and establish his own right of centre party?  He really has nothing to lose because SCUP will continue slowly dying and he would have time to establish his party before the next Holyrood elections. I don't know the man well enough to suggest that he would have the courage to do so, but I do know that many tories in this area, who now vote SNP, would be anxious to support him.

The tories missed a trick not electing Murdo Fraser. Not only was he the hope of Scottish centre-right voters but he was the only candidate who would have brought back SNP-voting tories to the fold, so the SNP will be very content with the result. His ideas were radical but seemingly too radical for over half of the two-thirds of members who voted.  With fully half of the tory Holyrood group backing him he may surprise the Scottish political scene yet.

(The photograph is from the Herald.  It's rather too evangelical for my tastes).

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Is Murdo Quietly Confident?

I jumped the gun publishing this poll because on deadline day, last Friday, the list MSP Margaret Mitchell entered the fray.  Would her candidacy have made any difference to the poll results? No.

Murdo Fraser, my Tory spies tell me, is doing a sterling job on the campaign trail assuring the grassroots fully understand his plan to abolish the party and establish a new one completely independent of Westminster control.  His support for a move toward full fiscal autonomy is being less well received as many traditionalists view any further transfer of power from London to Edinburgh as a betrayal of the Union.

Ruth Davidson's political immaturity has been highlighted by her staffing problems and she, like Jackson Carlaw and Margaret Mitchell, is yet to produce any substantive proposals for the desperately needed overhaul of the party's internal structures.  With the exception of Murdo Fraser, all the candidates are far to the right of the Scottish mainstream on the issue of constitutional reform.

The campaign is still young and there is time for someone to see the light and join Murdo in his effort to survive on the political scene in Scotland, yet why do I feel nobody cares?

Rebranding, regrouping, reinventing - call it what you will the Tories, along with the Libdems, will be a fringe party in Scotland for many years to come. The result of the leadership contest in November isn't going to set the heather on fire.

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Scottish Tory Leadership Race

L-R  Jackson Carlaw, Ruth Davidson, Murdo Fraser

Political party leadership races can be fairly murky affairs and the campaign for the top job in the Scottish tories is no exception.

If political pundits are to be believed the race is between Ruth Davidson and Murdo Fraser, although Jackson Carlaw's support is said to be 'small but exceptionally loyal'.

For the benefit of those not acquainted with the Scottish electoral system none of the candidates was elected to office by the Scottish electorate.  They all achieved their positions as MSPs through the party list system, which I consider to be undemocratic.

Ruth Davidson's campaign has achieved a mention at Guido's place where few - if any - politicians receive gracious compliments.  Will the Herald's exposure damage her chances which, if the views of the local grassroot Tories are to be believed, are slim enough already?  Several have mentioned it would be foolish to vote for a leader who only entered the Scottish Parliament in May, although a few aren't too keen on Murdo Fraser's proposals.

I've placed a poll in the sidebar for those who like a say.

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The Battle For Glasgow

The Labour party's review of their Scottish branch has been made public with its staunchest supporter, the Daily Record, calling it the 'biggest shake-up in a century'.

As with any shake-up though, once the agitation stops, the elements will return to their natural position.  The Murphy/Boyack review contains little substance but it does alter the administration of the party in Scotland with the intention of giving more powers to the new leader, changing their constituency network and, according to the Record, 'a move to cut ties with the UK party'.

If the idea is to break away from the UK party - although the review does not propose a separate federal party in Scotland - surely Labour in England, Wales and N Ireland need to be renamed.  Of course that won't happen because Labour in Scotland will continue to be an integral part of UK Labour.  It's inconceivable that London Labour will cast off Scotland because without its support from north of the border the party would be unelectable in Westminster. Rather amusingly, the proposed changes have to be approved by the UK party at their conference in Liverpool in a few weeks time. Will Ed Miliband sign his own death warrant? Of course not.

Labour's reason for tinkering with their Scottish branch's constitution is not for the sake of Scots, but a desperate attempt to hold onto their fiefdom - Glasgow.  Without their 50 year stranglehold on Glaswegian politics they would become as insignificant as the Tories and the Libdems.  Give Murdo Fraser his due, he sees the Tories problem as one involving the whole of Scotland, whereas Jim Murphy and Sarah Boyack have concentrated only on the west.

I've no experience of west coast politics and rely upon other sources for information, but 'dirty tricks' and 'murky dealings' within the City Chambers (pictured) are often mentioned.

 The battle between Labour and the SNP for Glasgow will be arduous and it won't be easy for the SNP to break Labour's monopoly, particularly when they have a prominent member such as Ari Mack publicly accusing his fellow local party members of 'paranoia, conspiracy theories, mental illness and downright stupidity'. The use of such language is unforgivable and Mr Mack should be shown a red card.

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Who Will Win The Poisoned Chalice?

While Alex Salmond basks in the glow of ex-Labour MSP Andy Kerr's compliments, I wonder if he will spare a thought for Tory MSP Murdo Fraser.

Murdo, the deputy leader of Scotland's tories, got his leadership campaign underway yesterday with his bid to dissolve the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party (SCUP) and create a new party built on "new unionism".  About 80 Tories attended the launch but the party's biggest single backer in Scotland, Sir Jack Harvie the transport tycoon, wasn't impressed in the slightest and has thrown his weight behind newly elected MSP Ruth Davidson.  Although Murdo is currently in the lead the odds have reduced today.

I think he's on the right track if the words Scottish Conservatives are not to be buried without ceremony but, try as I may I can't find anything of substance in Murdo's proposals other than a name change and that's a shame because I thought he had his finger on the pulse of disillusioned members.

The other contender, Jackson Carlaw, considers the proposal is 'dividing the party rather than uniting it.'  What he doesn't realise is that the party has been divided for years and requires a complete restructure.  Of course such rebuilds take time and it may be some years before former Tory voters, who now vote SNP, trust their natural party enough to support it.

If a complete restructure is rejected by the Tories then they will die a slow death here. If a rebuild is approved it will be some years before the Tories just may be able to become a major player.

Who will win the poisoned chalice?

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Scottish Unionist Parties Fragment

'She's the Tory it's ok to like' I was told today and I couldn't disagree.  Annabel Goldie, after insisting on Friday she would continue as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, became the third casualty of last Thursday's election today when she announced she was standing down in the autumn.

The three unionist parties have crumbled leaving Alex Salmond's SNP to cope with unknown and inexperienced new party leaders.

Ms Goldie was well liked by the public, but the same public wouldn't consider a return to a 1950s Scotland, when the Tories ran Scotland. Some say she should have held on to see how the ground lay, but after consultation with her party today, she U-turned.  Was she shoved or was she pushed?  We'll never know.

Alex Salmond paid tribute to Ms Goldie:

First Minister Alex Salmond paid tribute to Annabel Goldie, saying he held her in the "very highest personal regard".

He added: "Annabel acquitted herself very well in the recent election, and although her party lost ground I believe they would have lost more had she not been leader.

"I will miss Annabel's distinctive style at First Minister's Questions in particular. I am sure that Annabel still has a significant contribution to make as a distinguished parliamentarian, and she carries my very best wishes for the future."

Murdo Fraser, the current deputy leader, has emerged as the early favourite to succeed her but I don't think Mr Fraser has the skills required to tackle Alex Salmond. My criticism is based upon hearing him talk many times on local affairs - he's one of my list MSPs - when he's been average but hasn't set the heather on fire.  However, there's a few months until autumn and by then the A list Tories at Westminster will have had time to confer.

Therein lies the problem of all Scottish unionist parties; the electorate know their paymasters are London based and therefore allegiances are to the south rather than Scotland.  Also the Scots are becoming aware the unionist parties' Westminster counterparts scorn the Scottish Parliament and the SNP capitalised on this last week. Nobody likes to be labelled second-rate.

London Labour aren't happy with their Scottish branch. Their solution lies here.  Sorry for not forewarning you and you've spilt your morning coffee.

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The Nail In The Coffin For The Scottish Tories

Thanks to Sue who uncovered Cameron's pledge during the general election.

This just proves he's another lying politican and he has the audacity to insist
the subject of the winter fuel payment is, "very important to him".

I will be sending this video to all my friends who do, or may be tempted to, vote Conservative on 5 May.  They will decide how important they are to the Prime Minister.  The answer may not be to his liking.

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Campaign Chronicle

It hasn't been a good few days for the Scottish Tories or the Libdems.

The Tories aren't particularly popular in Glasgow; in fact they're decidedly unpopular.  Last week their top regional list candidate for Glasgow was sacked for not declaring a couple of bankruptcies, although the candidate, Malcolm Macaskill insists the party was told some time ago.  Mr Macaskill's sacking has caused ructions with many of his friends and colleagues seriously discontent.  Being a man with a healthy dose of common sense, Mr Macaskill took his wallet with him when he left the fold, resulting in two of his pals threatening to withdrawn substantial amounts of funding. One pal was prepared to donate £100,000 a year for ten years.

The Tory high heid yins say there was nothing in the least suspicious about the sacking and the fact they submitted the official nomination papers - which included Annabel Goldie's close friend Ruth Davidson and not Mr Macaskill - was pure coincidence.

Last October Ivor Tiefenbrun, the prospective candidate for Maryhill and Springburn, had to resign after calling Scots 'thick'.  He was replaced by the senior Edinburgh tory Iain Whyte.  Now, Mr Whyte is a member of NHS Lothian and he thought he could stand down from the health board during the election campaign then return if, as he expected, he failed to get elected.  Then he discovered that wasn't allowed and a return was out of the question.  Knowing which side his bread was buttered on Mr Whyte withdrew his candidacy.

The Tories have now lost three candidates and the campaign has only just begun.  It doesn't bode well for them.

The Libdems are having trouble too. Hugh O'Donnell - ok, I hadn't heard of him either until yesterday - had been seeking re-election as a list MSP for Central Scotland but decided to quit the party and stand as an independent.  He accused the Westminster government of going for 'easy targets', such as disabled people, in its cuts programme. "As Liberals we started the welfare state.  We shouldn't be the party that dismantles it," he insisted.  Some suggest the SNP could benefit from the Libdems' discombobulation.

At least the Tories and Libdems can't complain about a lack of column inches in the Scottish press this weekend can they?

In England the Libdems see no problem with elected councillors working long distance. Sometimes I'm speechless.

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Let Battle Commence

After Tuesday's fond farewells at the end of the third session of the Scottish Parliament, the Holyrood election campaign began with a whimper rather than a bang, although admittedly it was overshadowed by the UK government's budget yesterday.

We have been subjected to unofficial campaigning, by all parties, for months and I wonder if there will be any surprises when they launch their manifestos.  Will Labour continue to steal SNP policies or will they manage to construct some of their own?

Will Annabel's campaign chatterings continue to echo her pre-campaign mantra: 'Without the Conservatives policies that put 1000 extra police on the streets and gave the council tax freeze would not have been passed'.  I should think every man, woman and child in Scotland knows that by now, but will they be impressed enough to vote Tory?

The Libdems didn't have a good day yesterday when around 2000 students gathered at Holyrood to urge politicians to rule out fees, protect college places and improve student support.  They were addressed by politicians from all the parties except the Conservatives, but LibDem spokeswoman Margaret Smith struggled to be heard over loud jeering.

It's long been said politics and religion shouldn't mix but that hasn't deterred the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Right Rev. John Christie and Cardinal Keith O'Brien of the Roman Catholic Church, from launching a rather smart new website Churches Vote, aimed at bringing denominations together.  It is encouraging churches to organise local hustings - a good idea, although some may say hustings are old-fashioned.

There are 41 days until election day: Alex Salmond remains as First Minister until then.  Plenty time for a few surprises.

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The Latest Scottish Poll

I'm a PC (Poll Cynic) but today it wasn't possibly not to be slightly encouraged by the Ipsos MORI poll published.  Many others have given their articulate opinions such as the Peat Worrier, Joan McApline and Alex Porter and I concur, although a little less excitedly, with their findings.

Recent polls which stated Labour was so far ahead of the SNP didn't quite ring true with me and I assumed most of the contributors were from labour heartlands.  No one I know intends to change their vote in May and our one and only Labour voter may just be coming round understanding the SNP is the only voice we have for Scotland. The unionist parties manipulate us at their London leaders' behest.

In case you don't know the basic results of the poll here they are:

Holyrood Constituencies

* SNP  37%
* Labour  36%
* Conservative  13%
* Libdem  10%
* Greens  2%
* SSP  1%
* Others 1%

Holyrood List

* SNP  35%
* Labour  33%
* Conservative  13%
* Libdems  10%
* Greens  6%
* SSP  1%
* Others  2%

In pie chart form courtesy of PoliticalBetting:

click to enlarge

The complete tables of the poll can now be read here.

Update:  Since writing this post Calum Cashley had published one of his own.  It's always a pleasure to read his analysis.

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Tinkering Tories

The Sanderson review of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party was published last week.  Another investigation into why the Scottish Tories didn't win more seats at the last general election and only managed to cling onto the one they already have.

The bluntness of the review suggests that the Tory peer and his colleagues understand the depth of the hole the party is in and the major changes needed to haul the organisation into the 21st century.  It also notes that 'many people outside the party believe that Scotland needs a strong centre-right political force'.  I too agree with that statement because it would create a healthier balance in the Scottish political scene.  The SNP, Labour and Libdems are all fighting for the centre-left ground and any serious probing of government is non-existent.

While many people may concede that a centre-right party is needed, the trouble for the Scottish Conservative and Unionist party is that people don't think it should be the Tory party.

The review undermines the current leader, Annabel Goldie (pictured), by calling for a leadership contest after next May's Holyrood elections when they will decide who should be handed control over the range of power bases that current exists.  It rejects proposals to change the party's name or logo, concluding the real problem was the 'failure to convey clearly and consistently what it believes in and stands for'.  I don't think that's the problem at all.  The problem for the Tories is that people don't like what they stand for and believe in.

No matter how much they try to break through into the modern Scottish psyche, the damage was done years ago.  For me, the final nail in the coffin for the Tories in Scotland was watching Michael Forsyth, the then Scottish secretary, solemnly walking up the Royal Mile behind a piece of stone, which was resting on a velvet cushion and borne by a glass topped limousine.  To top the ludicrous event, Forsyth later, in Edinburgh Castle, gave a speech in which he implied that if all Scots weren't grateful for his goodwill gesture of returning the Stone of Destiny, then hell mend them.

Now the Tory party want a 'distinctly Scottish leader' who must have the power to appoint the Scottish party chairman, a job currently in the gift of UK party leader David Cameron.  But, despite arguing that the party needs to put Holyrood front and centre of its daily business, the review says the leader need not be an MSP.  How they intend to have a leader who may be unable to represent the party within the Chamber is beyond me.

Also recommended in the review is a radical overhaul of its candidate selection, financing, membership recruitment, policy formation and relations with the UK party.

This is all too little too late I feel but my suggestion would be: disband the present Tories, build another centre-right party which has no affiliation to any UK party and drop their determination to be a unionist party.  Many tories vote SNP in this part of the world, possibly because we have an excellent MSP but also because they do believe in Scotland taking charge of her own affairs.  Any tories who feel they cannot support an independence party can move to Labour or the LibDems.

The Tory brand is toxic in Scotland and no amount of tinkering will make them less so.  Better to cut and run then rebuild with policies more akin to Scotland's culture.  There have been other attempts by former Tories disillusioned by the party to create a new home, but with little success.  The Scottish Democratic Alliance does not intend to select candidates for any election until Scotland is independent.  The Tories could do worse than look at their vision for Scotland.

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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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The Scottish Tories

The Scottish conservatives have given their strategy and communications man the heave-ho, stating "financial constraints" as the reason.

Michael Crow, formerly an STV presenter, was only appointed in January when it was said he would bring a 'huge amount of media and political experience' to the party.

The Scottish tories' election campaign was a disaster and it seems Mr Crow is the fall guy. But losing him appears to be the least of their troubles as it's common knowledge that the party is fighting for its financial survival. Its main donors have withdrawn funding and it has been forced out of their Edinburgh Princes Street offices to a town house.

It is understood the decision to sack Mr Crow was taken by the Scottish tories' executive committee, the membership of which includes Annabel Goldie (pictured), David Mundell, their only MP and a junior Scotland Office minister. It would seem the sacking has caused division in the ranks.

All this makes me wonder if Annabel Goldie will be the next to go or will she hang on until after the Scottish parliament elections next year? Lord Sanderson of Bowden, 77, is currently chairing a review into the Scottish tories' future. I suggest they disband. Scotland needs a right of centre party with no allegiances to Westminster.

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Annabel's Anger

Rather an unflattering photograph of Annabel Goldie, the leader of the Scottish Conservatives isn't it? She looks confused, even angry - certainly not happy.

She has no reason to be happy. Today one of her loyal colleagues announced he'd given enough of his time to being a parliamentarian and was standing down next year. To add to Annabel's woes it's reported some of her party's senior figures have concocted a plan which would see MSPs replaced after serving two terms at Holyrood. As the analysis of the party's dismal showing in Scotland at the general election continued, it was confirmed that a major review could include a 'two strikes and you're out' rule, which would see MSPs standing down after eight years. The Scottish Parliament has fixed-terms of four years.

This is the method the Scottish tories think will introduce 'new blood' to the party because some see Holyrood as 'moribund and ineffective and its members too comfortable'.

Of the 17 Tory MSPs elected at the last election, only three were elected to specific constituencies, the rest owed their election to the regional list top-up system.

I have a suggestion for all Holyrood parties. What about applying the two-term rule, or even a one-term rule, to all list MSPs? Since the Parliament was re-established in 1999, I have not had one piece of correspondence from my list MSPs. Trying to find who they are isn't easy either. Fortunately I know Perthshire comes under Mid Scotland and Fife in the regional lists but I doubt if many people know that or are even interested. In fact I would think it's a small minority of people who are aware so many MSPs have never been elected. They are chosen by their politican party and go through the party process of selection. Some don't even bother to stand at elections but are confident that their party will place them top of their list.

List MSPs are not accountable to me. They can't be because I never never voted for any of them.

Not so long ago there was a suggestion in Parliament that list MSPs receive less salary than elected MSP. Uproar ensued. List MSPs insisted they did as much, if not more, work than their elected equivalents. The matter was dropped.

So a wee tip for Annabel; bring forward a proposal that all list MSPs serve only one or two terms. Then the public will be able to observe the 'new blood' and if they like what they see, we the people, can suggest they stand at a future election.

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Done Deal?

EQUALS

The news is that a deal has been done between the tories and the libdems. I will wait to hear the details before commenting further.

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