Jack McConnell 'embarrassed' by Labour at Westminster

Published on Tuesday 7 September 2010 17:33

JACK McConnell has launched a remarkable assault on Labour's record in government, saying he was regularly "embarrassed" by the often "indefensible" conduct of the former UK government.

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In his most outspoken attack on Tony Blair and Gordon Brown's administrations, the former first minister singled out "the greed of individuals" within the party, as well as "inconsistent policy" made "on the hoof", saying that together they had taken the sheen off Labour's successes.

He also railed against "party centralisation", stating flatly that, while in government, Labour had failed to adapt to the new world of a devolved UK, with administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

His remarks came as he declared he had backed David Miliband to lead the party, saying that, as a minister, he had "got" devolution and that he had the vision to recast the party anew.

The Labour peer has previously expressed frustration over the structure of the party and the challenges he faced running the Scottish Executive with Labour also in power at Westminster.

However, his new comments are by far the most outspoken. While not naming any names, his comments will be seen as an attack on the Blair-led government, which was in office during his tenure as first minister.

"We had many successes in government, but on too many occasions, I have been embarrassed by our conduct," he said.

"The greed of individuals, party centralisation and inconsistent policy on the hoof have been damaging, and at times indefensible. And we failed to adapt to the new political landscape of Britain."

Lord McConnell, who is to step down as an MSP at the next election, led the Labour-Liberal Democrat administration at Holyrood between 2001 and 2007. He resigned after losing control to the SNP at the 2007 election.

His time in office was marked with regular spats with Labour's Westminster contingent.

His latest attack received short shrift from former colleagues last night. One senior Labour source said: "He says he is embarrassed by Gordon Brown and Tony Blair. Not half as embarrassed as they were of him. All he has ever been interested in is advancing his own career."

Another party figure added: "Coming from Jack, it is a bit rich."

Political opponents seized on the comments, saying it exposed the depth of Labour's internal enmity.

Falkirk West SNP MSP Michael Matheson said: "This is a damning indictment of the Blair/Brown years from Jack McConnell, who must now be asked why he sat back and said nothing at the time about his embarrassment or the greed within his party."

Lord McConnell said he had decided to back Mr Miliband as he was the "most principled and thoughtful" UK minister who understood devolution. He added: "He has been consistently inclusive, he understands the concerns of ordinary people and I believe he is genuinely committed to a multicultural Britain."

He added: "I want Labour to be led by someone who understands the scale of our descent, and the scale of the challenge we now face, if we are again to be a credible opposition and then a credible government."