THE SCOTLAND QUESTION WON’T JUST GO AWAY

HENRY McLEISH

LEADING your party – and eventually your country – is the biggest challenge and privilege in Scottish politics.

For the first time in a decade, Labour can make an impact, build on the serious political work started by Kezia Dugdale, create a progressive platform for radical change and embrace the constitutional question more confidently.

The immediate issues are removing the Tories from office at the earliest opportunity and ensuring an increase in Scottish MPs to help Jeremy Corbyn win the next election.

The Brexit fiasco, the chaotic behaviour of the Tories and the improving fortunes of our party in the last general election suggest the 2020s could be Labour’s.

It is worth remembering nearly three quarters of a million people voted Labour in Scotland in 2017.

This is a strong base of goodwill to build upon and will boost our chances of victory at Westminster and Holyrood.

There are of course lessons to be learned. The Scotland question won’t go away.

Being allied to the Tories and supporting an unreformed Union is not in Labour’s interest.

Let’s also accept that the SNP are both a party and a movement.

Labour need to be a movement embracing federalism, social democracy and having a vision for Scotland’s future. Being Scottish doesn’t negate our socialism or social democracy. Why shouldn’t Labour be the voice of Scotland?

The SNP are not the party of equality or the “left” – but they have successfully stolen our clothes on both issues. Labour need to chip away at these myths and offer new ideas, commitment and practical proposals.

In the changing mood of a modern Scotland, Labour must redouble their efforts to win hearts and minds.

This is a good time for a new leader to start work.