• garbology [he/him]
    ·
    3 years ago

    All of the papers gleefully calling it the worst loss since the 30s or whatever, conveniently ignoring that this is post-SNP so all of the Scottish seats that would be Labour are just SNP now, so the comparison isn't apt.

    • Cayman [none/use name]
      ·
      3 years ago

      That's true, but there was also an expectation that Corbyn would be able to 'win the arguement' for why Labour in Scotland should return to dominance (increased welfare/federalism). The expectation was increased following the election of Richard Leonard as the Scottish Labour leader (pro-Corbyn), and as such the resulting electoral blowout in Scotland made Corbyn's leadership even more tenuous.

      • garbology [he/him]
        ·
        3 years ago

        Interesting insight. I'd say it seems more like a cemented distrust of all London-facing politics, but I admit I don't really understand the Scottish perspective, because I would have advocated for SNP-Labour cooperation, but I guess English support for Labour would collapse if they even seemed to support Scottish Independence?

        • Cayman [none/use name]
          ·
          edit-2
          3 years ago

          Well I do think that's the same thinking that many activists/Labour were thinking, remember Ed Milliband got tarred and feather by the press for his supposed ties to the SNP (even though thats false). IMO Labour was entering into one of the most politically challenging courses due to the loss of Scotland, and the failures to properly address it from Corbyn's leadership (not pushing federalism enough for instance) did not help. Of course with Keir in charge I would suspect a very slight/minority Labour government, but that won't happen for another 4 years, I will be interested in seeing how the SCG (Socialist Campaign Group - the likes of Zarah Sultana/John McDonnell) adapt to this circumstance.

          • garbology [he/him]
            ·
            3 years ago

            By 2024 if Scotland hasn't had a 2nd Indy ref I imagine support for a new ref, but short of open support for independence, will be a possible angle for the hard left. Especially if Scots keep making themselves heard via dumping fish on Downing St. and indy polling keeps looking decisive.