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| Scottish Labour, Peaks and Troughs |
| Monday, 18 August 2008 | |
 With defeat in Glasgow East and a falling reputation amongst even it's
most staunch support nationally, there is quite the mountain to climb for the
team who will occupy the top table of the countries main opposition party on
September 13th when the leadership is confirmed.
As it does feel a trifle odd to write ‘the main opposition party' about
Labour in Scotland the extent of the task facing the new team is
considerable.
The team will have to contend with the bitter infighting that served as
sufficient provocation in Wendy Alexander's decision to resign for merely
following the rules as she was advised. If Labour do not pick wisely there will
continue to be catacombs harbouring ambitious usurpers ready and waiting to
pounce and toil with the hierarchy.
In politics we are educated in the funnel of causality whereby parental influences,
life chances, choices and culture have a direct and important interest in our
political choice. After Northern Rock, Foot and Mouth, the 10p Tax fiasco and Gordon Brown's
poor personal ratings and subsequent by-election defeats, the more publicised Westminster brand of politics is infecting our view of the
local arena and people are looking beyond their constituency MP and offering a
protest vote nationally.
With the credit crunch creating malaise in support, the people of
Glasgow East fundamentally shunned their own funnels and voting past conceding
the view that many are now unsure of their own social standing after Neptune's trident of fuel, food and credit becomes insufferable
reality.
With such a fundamental shift in the social link to politics there is
certain weight behind the theory that every government has its day and the old
adage of ‘time gentlemen please' appears. As 17 years of conservative rule came
to an end, must an unpopular Labour party?
It certainly is having the serious knock on effect in Scotland as Glasgow East demonstrated and as opinion
polls dictate. The SNP are yet to really screw up and have maintained their
very populist policies with aplomb without hitting the headlines too much for
scandal, sleaze and spin. Surely the Labour party must put together something
quite dynamic to regain respect north of the border as it continues to flake in
the south.
Who are the hopefuls aiming to replant their flag on Scotland's summit?
Andy Kerr - Former senior member of the last administration, former local government and union worker. Once holding Scotland's health portfolio, the East Kilbride MSP, distinguishable by his silvery hair, is considered to be a front runner.
Cathy Jamieson - Scottish Labour's deputy leader of seven years presided over high-profile campaigns to stamp out anti-social behaviour, remove drug dealers from communities and tackle Scotland's so called "booze and blades" culture. Jamieson is MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon valley and another favourite.
Iain Gray - Only just returned to Holyrood when the Labour-held East Lothian seat became available. Gray has a fairly low profile especially after his four years absence and a history in the voluntary sector. Conversely, not being from Labour's traditional heartland in the west of Scotland could work in Mr Gray's favour if the party is looking for wholesale change.
Ally Millar
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