Ken Livingstone backs independent Scottish Labour

FORMER London mayor Ken Livingstone has backed the idea of Scottish Labour being independent from the party at UK level saying it “should have the freedom to reflect local views”.
Former London mayor Ken Livingstone. Picture: Getty ImagesFormer London mayor Ken Livingstone. Picture: Getty Images
Former London mayor Ken Livingstone. Picture: Getty Images

Mr Livingstone, speaking on BBC1’s Sunday Politics, when asked if Scottish Labour should be independent of The Westminster leadership, said “yes” to a breakaway party.

The former Greater London Council (GLC) leader said that such a shake-up would be a welcome shift away from the way the party operated under Tony Blair’s leadership.

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Mr Livingstone, speaking about the prospect of an independent Scottish Labour, said: “That’s the Labour Party we had before Tony Blair.”

His remarks came as Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale reiterated her plan for an “autonomous” Scottish Labour party.

Speaking on Sky News’ Murnaghan programme, she said that there are “issues on which we need to take a different position” to UK Labour and stated she wanted to “lead a more autonomous party”.