In her policies and style, Nicola Sturgeon is a social democrat in the true sense of the word.
In her policies and style, Nicola Sturgeon is a social democrat in the true sense of the word
To say that the SNP faithful, in Perth this weekend for the party’s annual conference, meet in buoyant mood would be an understatement.
The irony will not be lost on them that since losing the referendum on independence they are seeing increasing support, while Labour north of the border are in turmoil.
SNP membership has soared, so much so that it now outstrips the UK-wide Liberal Democrats, and has way more than the estimated number of Labour activists in Scotland.
Meanwhile, recent polls have pointed to a potential Labour meltdown next year in what was once thought of as its heartland area, which is likely to deny Ed Miliband the keys to Downing Street. And to add to the SNP’s mood of glee, some polls suggest that a majority of Scots would vote for independence should a referendum be held anytime soon.
Simply put, Nicola Sturgeon could not have hoped for a better climate in which to take forward the baton of independence. She will take the SNP leadership from Alex Salmond later today.
As Salmond makes his final speech to the conference, he will declare that the independence debate is not over. Nicola Sturgeon meanwhile has told Sky News that Scotland will, she believes, become an independent country sooner than we might think.
Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems will no doubt cry foul and attack the SNP for stoking the flames of independence after a resounding ‘no’ vote just a few months ago.
The reality however, is that for all the bluster, the sound of Westminster politicians telling Scotland what it can and cannot have only serves to boost support for the SNP. Furthermore, given the extraordinary surge in support for the nationalists, politicians in London would do well to stop interfering.
The last hope for Scotland remaining in the Union is for Scottish Labour to regain its sense of purpose, to change in the same way that the mood of Scotland has changed, and ultimately to return to Government at Holyrood.
This requires first of all a leader who can take on Nicola Sturgeon and win. Such a task will be enormous.
As Labour in Scotland continue a period of internal navel gazing which has seen the General Secretary of Unite, Len McLuskey, accuse Jim Murphy on Labour List of being “the candidate of the past and the candidate of division”, Ms Sturgeon has parked her tanks on Labour’s lawn.
In her policies and style, Sturgeon has the makings of a social democrat in the true sense of the word, fighting against the scourge of poverty and inequality, and her efforts are already paying off. Glasgow’s decision to support independence in the referendum was in no small part due to the efforts Sturgeon has made to woo Glasgow to the SNP cause.
The SNP are on a roll. The flame of independence burns brightly and only Scottish Labour can save the Union – but the omens are not good. The SNP have multiple reasons to be cheerful this weekend.
Ed Jacobs is a contributing editor at Left Foot Forward. Follow him on Twitter
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16 Responses to “The SNP have many reasons to be cheerful this weekend”
Hearthammer
What do you know of the other candidates? I personally think Sarah Bowyer would be a better bet!
Norfolk29
I have read their CV’s and I would put Sarah as a good second in command to Jim. The issue in the future is what can be afforded and all the world appears to know this except the hard left. The days of easy money are over and now is the time for making sure everyone, including the bankers, pay their way. Scottish Labour needs a story that relates to the desire of every part of the UK to look after its own interests where those interests do not conflict with the rest of the UK.
Hearthammer
Sorry Norfolk29, but the UK is the proverbial body that just needs a send off. I honestly believe that within ten years, there will be a prosperous Scotland within the EU and a bankrupt EWANIand outside. We will no longer support that rats nest at Westminster and until you in England do the same, you will be in deep, deep trouble.
Britlab
AgreeThink he would be better supported by Kezia and she would be a powerful voice in opposition to SNP.Doubt if Hearthammer is Lab member, def.nat fellow traveller and note, Jim is being much criticised by nats.Do they fear him?Anyway,watch out for our enemies getting involved in discussion.S.Bower not very well known and may not make a strong leader.Nat choice?Hearthammer?Warning!
Britlab
Evidence that we do not put value on his opinion on Lab leadership.I will discuss with and respect the views of fellow party members, but not the ramblings of our opponents.Or enemies?