WENDY, QUEEN OF SCOTS....

So that's it then. In the absence of a contest, arch-Brownite Wendy Alexander is now Leader of the Scottish Labour Party. Just been watching her on the news and less than impressed. yes, I know I would say that wouldn't I but seriously, her schoolmarmy " change or die" mantra is at least 10 years out of date. People in Scotland have already made it clear they want nothing to do with New Labour policies on everything from Trident to top-up fees. One of the saving graces of the previous Scottish administration was that it didn't go down the marketisation road despised by socialists in the Labour Party. Now Alexander is proposing more Brownite/Blairite "reform." I am pretty disappointed (probably not surprised) there has not been at least the chance of a debate. The only way, I suppose, is up.......

WENDY'S A TARTAN TONY.......

An interview in the Scotsman with likely Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander (pictured) makes for dismal reading. The language is horribly reminiscent of Blairism at its worst. ie "radical" "renew" MEANING marketisation, "choice" and a lurch away from traditional labour policies. Labour is way behind the SNP in Scotlansd yet Ms Alexander seems to be laying the blame for this, not on Brown's Blairite agenda, but (of course) trade unionists and Labour Party members loyal to our core values.

Quote Wendy:

" Scottish Labour stands at a critical juncture in our history. We can either choose the path of continuity and conservatism ( she means socialism) or we can choose to be radical and bold (Blairite) .
"We cannot simply wait for the SNP to fail. Now is the time to reach beyond the party's comfort zone (socialist values) . This is the time for Scottish Labour to reflect, reform and renew (lurch sharply to the right) . I hope the Campaign for Socialism can stand a candidate - preferably Elaine Smith. If not, Scottish Labour is likely to go down the Blairite road. Which will be a huge, huge setback.