Scottish Labour needs to channel a “restless anger” to stop it suffering the same electoral rot it did in the 1980s, according to Jim Murphy.
In his first set-piece speech to members since taking over as leader north of the border, the East Renfrewshire MP warned of falling into “a trap created by our opponents”.
Mr Murphy, who still needs to find a way to get himself elected to the Scottish Parliament, said he had high hopes for Scotland’s young people, new innovation industries, businesses, NHS and culture.
However, he added: “To realise these aspirations, though, ambition must be matched by restless anger.
“Anger that there are schools in Scotland where if a child dreams of becoming a doctor they simply can’t take the subjects they would later need to study medicine.
“Anger that in a half-hour walk from this hall you would pass through disparity in life expectancy which would be shameful between different countries let alone within one country.
“Anger that so many of our fellow citizens are hungry and anxious, lonely, and unfulfilled.
“But I also want to put an end to the idea that talking about what is wrong in Scotland is talking Scotland down when, in truth, it is the first step to raising Scotland up.”
Mr Murphy also announced plans to rewrite the party’s constitution to state so decisions about Scotland will be made in Scotland.
He confirmed the move was made without seeking permission from UK leader Ed Miliband, before adding he would no longer seek permission or agreement on decisions concerning Scottish Labour from Westminster colleagues.
Previous leader Johann Lamont resigned saying Labour’s leadership south of the border treated the party in Scotland as a “branch office”.
Members will be asked to agree to a new “clause four” at the party’s conference in March, while a draft constitution will be published for discussion in the new year, Mr Murphy told supporters.
For more on Mr Murphy’s speech, see Tuesday’s Courier or try our digital edition.