Scots 'seek distance' from Westminster

Published on Monday 28 July 2008 22:13

THE Labour Party in Scotland will be more independent of party bosses in Westminster in the future if the three main contenders for the leadership get their way.

Andy Kerr, the MSP for East Kilbride, who is favoured by many to replace Wendy Alexander, has joined fellow contender Cathy Jamieson in stating that the new leader needs to become a voice for Scottish Labour.

It is a move that has been interpreted as a sign that Scottish Labour wants to distance itself from Gordon Brown and being seen as a Westminster puppet.

The third front-runner, Iain Gray, who is believed to be favoured by Gordon Brown, has added that the new leader will have "a powerful mandate" of their own.

The comments came as the party announced a timetable for the leadership and deputy leadership elections. Nominations close on Friday and the winners will be unveiled on 13 September two weeks into the next session. Ms Jamieson will continue as acting leader until then.

Mr Kerr said the top job should be more than just leader in Holyrood. "I think it's about the voice of Scottish Labour," he said. "It's about the policies we make in Scotland which will see people going back to the people's party in Scotland."

Ken Macintosh, education spokesman, is considering standing. The other contender, Cathcart MSP Charlie Gordon, yesterday published 14 policies he thinks Labour needs.