McLeish calls on Scottish Labour to cut London ties

Former first minister Henry McLeish has called on Scottish Labour to cut its ties with London, arguing 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 EU.

Mr Corbyn 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, Mr McLeish 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.

“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 politicallydistinctive policies. This is the time for the Scottish party to act.”

Leader Kezia Dugdale sought greater autonomy for the Scottish party while her deputy Alex Rowley advocated an independent party.