I recently blogged about the possibility of Johann Lamont standing
down as Scottish Labour leader before the 2016 Holyrood election.
Four replacements were spoken of internally: deputy
leader Anas Sarwar; shadow international development secretary Jim Murphy;
Lothians List MSP Kez Dugdale; and, bizarrely, Glasgow Lister Drew Smith.
Since then, Euan McColm has used his Scotland on Sunday column
to write about a potential Murphy leadership, while a fascinating Better Nation
blog gave a thorough run-down of all the likely contenders.
According to several well-placed party sources, there is no doubt that Lamont’s “people” have been boosting Dugdale’s profile
Lamont’s “people” – by that, I mean her closest supporters–
have made this move for reasons of survival.
If Murphy took over, the current leader’s “people” would be
cast into the political wilderness.
If it was Sarwar, they would (metaphorically) be thrown
under his bus.
You don’t need to be an expert in Labour Kremlinology to see
what has been going on.
Not only was Kez, 32, promoted to Education in the last shadow
cabinet reshuffle, but she was also given a prized BBC Question Time slot
earlier this year.
I also understand some of Johann’s “people” wanted Kez
to do First Minister’s Questions in March, when Lamont was absent. In the end,
Jackie Baillie stepped up.
Kez has also been given a prime-time Daily Record column,
which is not something that happens by chance. Her weekly musings are a terrific opportunity
to introduce herself to Labour voters.
Of course, the generous help Kez has received has not gone unnoticed.
It’s not just the Labour group at Westminster that is marked
by tensions.
