The problem for #Labour is that it is not just #Starmer that is the problem. It is also all those that have gone along with the right-wing Labour project. To be sure, Starmer is a convenient focus, but we repeatedly heard on the doorstep that Labour collectively was being rejected. There are not many in the Cabinet that are not tainted, although some (e.g. Streeting) more than others.
One reason #Sarwar was unable to distance himself from Starmer was his own descent into right-wing tropes.
@drgeraint the question #Sarwar really needs to ask himself is, does he want to be leader of a fading and increasingly irrelevant minor party in a devolved province, or would he rather be First Minister of an independent country?
That really is the choice. The #SNP is only held together by the issue of #ScottishIndependence — once that is won, their coalition will fall apart. There is a real opportunity there for a party of the centre left to win power and make change. Dare he?
#AndrewTickell is an exquisitely subtle, precise writer on Scottish politics. His elegant, wistful style reminds me of the #TheObserver's late columnist Alan Watkins, but without Watkins's pretentiousness.
So when facing the political carcass of #AnasSarwar, Tickell doesn't put the boot in. Instead, he takes ornate surgical knives, and dissects #Sarwar with cold precision. Delicious, and much more satisfying than a boot.
Tickell's column in #TheNational https://archive.is/9p9xh
I don't know that I feel more violated having their literature than, say, #Starmer or #Phillipson or #Streeting or #Sarwar spreading lies about trans people whenever I turn on the radio or fire up the computer. But YMMMV.
A point to consider, though, is that the current rules on access to the electoral register allow parties not funded by tech bros and financial services to function on a bit of level playing field, e.g. (where canvassing is concerned).
OK, suppose — this isn't going to happen, but just suppose — #SNP come first in the #HolyroodElection but without a majority, and #ReformUKLtd come second. Which is #Sarwar going to support to form a government?
If you get a #UKLabour canvasser chapping your door, please ask them for me. I'll be *really* interested in their answer.
Now it always possible that both of them are lying
Malcolm Offord doubles down on 'Anas Sarwar offer of Labour-Reform deal'
So what did Sarwar offer #Reform?
From the #C4 debate last night. While I certainly would not trust the Xphobic (where X stands for any group that is not pale white and born in the UK) #Offord, it would be quite a thing to stand up and lie about this. #Sarwar seems rather quiet about the whole thing - is Unionism, something that #Labour are willing to do anything, absolutely anything for?
https://www.thenational.scot/news/26021736.anas-sarwar-said-reform-labour-work-together-block-snp/
It's shit, but fortunately #Sarwar is never going to be in a position to implement this. The polls suggest that he is going to struggle even to come second.
The latest Ipsos/Mori has SNP, GRN, REF, LAB. It's just one poll, but the picture of a three-way tussle for the minor places is a repeated story these days.
I could not help but giggle in this Guardian report on elections (although as always it largely ignores Plaid and the SNP)
This must have made Anas’ day, charismatic no less.
The #ScottishLabourParty has — to put it mildly —;not adapted & prospered under devolution. In the weekend after its annual conference & #GortonAndDenton does it have any future? Could it finally become #ScottishLabour?
#GerryHassan's essay in the #SundayNational is not optimistic.
https://archive.is/HCHbt / https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25896510.late-scottish-labour-party-become-scottish-party/
Isabel Ruffell
Simon Brooke
Claire McNab
Wen