Former first minister Henry McLeish has called on Scottish Labour to cut its ties with London, arguing that an independent party north of the border is now “essential”.
Mr McLeish said UK Labour is facing “a summer of discontent and bitter infighting” with the leadership contest between Jeremy Corbyn and Owen Smith.
He argued the growing divisions within the party have left it “nowhere” in the debate over the UK’s departure from the European Union (EU).
Mr Corbyn – who is the odds-on favourite to win the leadership contest due to conclude in September – is “not the answer to Labour’s decline or long-term recovery”, Mr McLeish insisted.
With Scotland facing the prospect of a second independence referendum as a result of the majority of Scots voting to remain in the EU, the former Labour first minister said the Scottish party must think beyond the leadership battle.
“In the short-term we will be wrapped up in the leadership campaign,” he said.
“We need now to think beyond the next two months and prepare for every eventuality in Scotland and Britain as the political fall-out from June 23 continues and uncertainty deepens.
“Scotland could see Home Rule, a form of federalism, independence or some other, as yet unknown, four-nation constitutional solution.
“Regardless of the outcome, an Independent Labour Party (ILP) in Scotland is essential.
“The ILP imprint would send a powerful message of Scottish identity and politically-distinctive policies. This is the time for the Scottish party to act.”
a Scottish Labour spokesman said: “The process of becoming an even more autonomous party is currently under way, something that was kick-started when Kezia Dugdale was first elected leader.
“Under Kez’s leadership there is no doubt that she is in charge of what happens in Scottish Labour.
“We value being part of a UK-wide Labour family, though. Members across the whole of the Labour Party believe that by the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more together than we can achieve alone. That’s why our UK-wide organisation will continue.”
