I’m not sure if this counts as a worst motion of the week, a best motion of the week or neither but I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at the Labour MSP who supported the following motion:
Motion S4M-02056: Kenneth Gibson, Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 20/02/2012
Fool Me Once
That the Parliament notes the recent comments by the Prime Minister regarding additional powers for the Scottish Parliament; understands that the carrot of extra “powers” will be available only if Scots do not vote positively for independence in a referendum; considers that no attempt whatsoever has been made to define such powers; believes that the same tactic was used in the 1970s by the Tories, who promised a better assembly bill if the one on offer was rejected; considers that the Tories, on gaining office in 1979, betrayed this promise and shelved any pretence at delivering devolution during 18 years in power; believes that Scots have learned from bitter experience not to trust the Tories on the constitution, and urges a Yes vote in the independence referendum.
Supported by: Adam Ingram, Gordon MacDonald, Mike MacKenzie, John Mason, Stuart McMillan, Dennis Robertson, Bill Walker, Bob Doris, David Torrance, George Adam, Angus MacDonald, Maureen Watt, Kevin Stewart, James Dornan, Colin Beattie, Chic Brodie, Joan McAlpine, Margaret Burgess, Annabelle Ewing, Gil Paterson, Bill Kidd, Jim Eadie,
-
Kezia Dugdale
, Jamie Hepburn, Roderick Campbell, Dave Thompson
Given that the motion “urges a Yes vote in the independence referendum”, what are we to take from this?
Has Kezia cast off her unionist beliefs, been blinded by the anti-Tory sentiment at the start of the motion or is this another ‘wrong button’ from an MSP?
Either way, one can’t help but wonder what Johann Lamont will make of it…
#1 by Douglas McLellan on February 24, 2012 - 2:31 pm
Just checked the parliament website. Her name doesn’t seem to be there. Prompt removal?
#2 by Jeff on February 24, 2012 - 2:35 pm
Yep, looks like it. I guess we’ll have to put it down as ‘wrong button’, sadly.
#3 by redhotraggle on February 24, 2012 - 3:09 pm
*Cybernats madly smash their keyboards in fury* after realising it was probably only an administrative mistake…
Oh well.
#4 by Richard on February 24, 2012 - 3:44 pm
Either that or a Freudian slip, before she was “whip”ped back into line? One can but dream she was chafing at the leash as so many “socialists” must be at being forced to toe an increasingly right-wing Tory line.
#5 by Jeff on February 24, 2012 - 4:17 pm
I think that is far-fetched to say the least Richard. Kezia confirmed on Twitter that she was intending to support the motion before it.
#6 by flying train on February 24, 2012 - 4:48 pm
Richard (i know you were being a bit sarcastic with the ‘socialist’ comment but hear me out) – the problem with the party is, that there are very few, if any, real socialists (or even true social democrates) who get selected by the labour party to stand for elections anymore. On of the (not so talked about) consequences of the new labour era, was the almost complete take over of individual CLPs by the central party. There are still socialists left in the party (and i know a fair few), but the chances of them ever getting selected for a winnable seat anywhere and for anything is so low is is almost not worth thinking about.
CLP business is so dull and mechanical, anyone who cared stopped going a a long time ago. the result of a selection ‘contests’ are usually already be known and the effect is to drive people away.
for me, the only way they can change is some sort of primary system where anyone getting a set percentage (say 5%) of the membership to sign a nomination form gets on the ballot paper for any selection (including against sitting members). then you might see elected labour members with a bit of backbone and conviction to do the right thing, not the thing the party wants. Chances of this happening however? I would think George W Bush would have a better chance to win the whitehouse this year 🙂
#7 by flying train on February 24, 2012 - 3:58 pm
disappointing, had maybe hoped that some in the party were maybe coming round, but to much to hope for i guess. Going on how the party has been working recently, i Imagine an MSP could effectively be expelled for free thought like this, and that is why i am leaving the Scottish Labour Party
#8 by Chris on February 24, 2012 - 4:32 pm
…and all those SNP MSPs who didn’t sign it!!!! They must be against independence…
#9 by flying train on February 24, 2012 - 4:49 pm
given government members don’t sign motions, there are probably not many left who didn’t.
#10 by Teri Forsyth on February 24, 2012 - 7:35 pm
Looks like Kezia didnt read the motion all the way through. She probably thought it was just to show we shouldnt believe Tory promises. Either that or Johann issued an ultimatum – remove your name pronto or remove yourself from the Labour benches.