Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
James Walker

Scottish Labour news, gaffes and analysis in a newsletter

WELCOME to the new weekly newsletter focusing on the highest Branch Office in the land.

The first free Branch Office Updates newsletter is below for you to have a read of.

I'll be bringing you the week's latest news and gaffes from Scottish Labour, as they attempt to challenge the SNP/Green Government and avoid being disciplined by head honcho Keir Starmer.

You can sign up by clicking here to receive it in your inbox every Thursday at 6pm.

Divided on key issues

Despite much crowing in recent weeks, Labour branch office leader Anas Sarwar has struggled to keep his party in line on key issues.

Case in point: Wednesday’s announcement that the Scottish Government is challenging the block of the Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill.

Scottish Labour were split in their reaction to the news, with some welcoming it.

Labour MSP for Central Scotland, Monica Lennon, tweeted in solidarity with the Trans community: “The Scottish Parliament passed the GRR Bill by a two-thirds majority, including support from all parties. It is right that the Scottish Government is challenging the UK Government’s block on the reforms.”

The National: Monica Lennon MSP voiced her support for the challenge to the blockMonica Lennon MSP voiced her support for the challenge to the block (Image: PA)

Former Labour branch office leader Richard Leonard also backed the move, saying it “would make life a little easier for one of the most persecuted minorities in society”.

This was contrasted by the party’s equalities spokesperson, Paul O’Kane, who released a very neutral statement that left more questions than answers.

Anas Sarwar previously whipped his MSPs to support the Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill but that came before Keir Starmer signalled that he doesn’t support the legislation.

First Minister Humza Yousaf backed those who supported the challenge, and condemned inaction from Anas Sarwar.

He said: "A reminder the UK Govt have refused to meaningfully engage on the GRR Bill, which Anas Sarwar & most of Scottish Labour voted for. Thankfully there are some in Labour who get it."

Will Sarwar act “in solidarity” or bow down to his Labour overlord?

Split on strategy Keir Starmer said he would “make absolutely zero apologies for being blunt” after receiving heavy criticism over a Labour attack ad campaign.

The National: The leader and his office manager on a visit to Siemens Rail Automation Cambuslang Depot in Glasgow last weekThe leader and his office manager on a visit to Siemens Rail Automation Cambuslang Depot in Glasgow last week (Image: PA)

The party posted the first attack ad last week claiming that Rishi Sunak does not think child sex abusers should go to prison. It also pointed to the Conservative record on offenders avoiding jail.

The second advert featured the same picture of Sunak smiling alongside the words “Do you think an adult convicted of possessing a gun with intent to harm should go to prison? Rishi Sunak doesn’t.”

The ads drew heavy criticism from within Sarwar’s own branch office.

Several Labour MSPs called the ad campaign “ill-judged”, with Monica Lennon (again) calling on the party to apologise amidst a "wheesht for Labour government culture" emerging and Richard Leonard (again) calling for the first ad featuring the Prime Minister to be deleted.

But, “election ready”

Anas Sarwar declared his party as “election ready” after appointing key figures as election co-ordinators.

The National: The party are getting ready for electionThe party are getting ready for election (Image: PA)

Scottish Labour’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie and Ian Murray, the party’s only Scottish MP and shadow Scottish secretary, are taking on the roles ahead of the UK General Election late next year.

Sarwar declared Scottish Labour could win seats from the SNP and help “kick the Tories out” of power at Westminster.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.