Time to grasp the thistle

The Labour Party in Scotland is facing tough choices. A leadership contest is under way with three candidates, Sarah Boyack, Neil Findlay and Jim Murphy seeking to become leader of the Labour Party and First Minister of Scotland in 2016. For the Labour Party in Scotland, this is now a once in a lifetime opportunity to come to terms with a loss of self-confidence, doubts about political identity, confusion about how Scotland’s role within the UK is to be taken forward and an obsession with nationalism to the exclusion of promoting Labour’s own progressive centre-left vision for Scotland and the distinctive philosophy, ethics and values that drive our passion and highlight for the people of Scotland what we stand for. 

Johann’s resignation and her critical assessment of the state of Scottish Labour may have finally ended this sense of denial that has paralysed the Scottish party and created the vacuum in which the SNP has thrived at our expense. The Scottish people deserve better. The leadership contest should be about defining a new role for Scottish Labour in the 21st century: renewing the party, redefining our narrative and reconnecting with the public. These priorities are key to the success we so desperately want to achieve. But we have to build our own self-belief and start to inspire and enthuse the electors. We should not underestimate how far we have fallen in the eyes of so many people who for such a long time voted Labour because that was the right thing to do: their aspirations and values reflected what we stood for and believed in.

This is a remarkable opportunity for Labour to grasp a more credible, relevant and powerful future in which a reinvented party and a sustainable constitutional settlement regain the confidence of the Scottish people

Labour’s historical and enduring partnership with people was rooted in community, struggle, solidarity, work, politics, family, values and identity. There was a shared belief in a better and fairer society and the timeless assertion of the dignity and worth of men and women. The world has changed and so have the Scottish people. But values have an enduring currency! Representative politics is very complex. The volatile nature of the electorate means that there are now no certainties, every vote has to be won and none can be taken for granted. A new political era is opening up and this has to be the starting point for all the candidates. They must see the current problems as deep seated and commit to radical transformational change. 

Therefore,the issues they should address include: 

First, the role and authority of Scottish Labour must be strengthened. Although certain powers of government have been devolved to Holyrood, there has been no equivalent shift of real party political power from UK Labour to Scotland. Other countries in Europe have achieved this and it makes them closer to their electors and more in tune with the aspirations of the people they serve. Scotland needs to be part of a federal structure for the UK Labour Party.

Second, there is now a battle for the soul of Scotland. People need to understand what Labour stands for here. Labour has to promote a new debate on values, principles and ideas. It should be the party of social democracy, social investment and social partnership with inequality and social justice as the driving force for social and economic change. What is so difficult about promoting these ideas? 

Third, Labour from the days of Keir Hardie to the Scotland Act in 1998 has battled for devolution. So why was there such a disappointing response in their recent commission report? Alex Salmond and now Nicola Sturgeon do not have to look over their shoulder to London. Labour has to free itself from the constitutional shackles of Westminster and UK Labour about the constitutional future of Scotland. Labour can offer a great deal more on constitutional change and remain a strong part of the UK. The sovereignty of the Scottish people should be recognised as a powerful force and a constraint on the absolute sovereignty of Westminster. 

Fourth, the SNP has been successful because they have embraced civic politics, populism, radical constitutional change and a new role for Scotland. Why can’t Scottish Labour do the same but substitute progressive centre-left politics for populism? There is a heightened sense of expectation in Scotland and a greater sense of identity, not nationalism. People are less aligned to old political loyalties and allegiances and more open about which political party they wish to support. Labour should reach out and acknowledge the challenges here instead of seeing them through the prism of London and Westminster. 

Fifth, democratic engagement is now making its mark in Scotland. Political activism grows, party political membership expands, civic politics demands to be heard, rallies are being held, new political parties may be in the offing, the government party is in transition, electors are less deferential and for the first time in a generation, people are unwilling to accept politics at face value. They are looking for something more!  

Finally, the damaging divisions between Westminster and Holyrood need urgent attention, a better understanding of common objectives and a shared constitutional platform.  
This is a remarkable opportunity for Labour to grasp a more credible, relevant and powerful future in which a reinvented party and a sustainable constitutional settlement regain the confidence of the Scottish people. This is a tough ask of the candidates but the rewards for getting it right will outweigh any short-term difficulties and doubts.