‘Stalinist’ Sturgeon’s new orders to keep MPs in line
NICOLA Sturgeon has been accused of turning the SNP into a dictatorship by drawing up new rules banning MPs from speaking out against party policy.
A new set of ‘standing orders’ is expected to be passed by delegates at the SNP conference today, blocking any future Nationalist MP from criticising decisions by the leadership.
The SNP is ramping up discipline amid fears an influx of new MPs could lead to embarrassing disputes over policy.
But critics say Miss Sturgeon is exerting ‘Stalinist’ discipline.
Most parties have backbenchers who speak out in order to try to influence party policy – although SNP backbenchers have always been notoriously reluctant to do so.
The new standing orders, written in the name of current SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson, say all members must ‘accept that no member shall, within or outwith the parliament, publicly criticise a group decision, policy or another member of the group’.
They also say any member registering dissent during a private group meeting will be hauled before the Chief Whip ‘to discuss the situation’.
Opponents criticised the attempt to stamp out dissent.
Scottish Labour deputy leader Kezia Dugdale said: ‘This is Stalinist discipline. But after the week she’s had, it’s understandable why Nicola Sturgeon should want to gag Alex Salmond.’
Scottish Tory chief whip John Lamont said: ‘It’s clear Nicola Sturgeon will try to rule her party with an iron fist.
‘Presumably, given his recent behaviour, Alex Salmond will be exempt from these instructions.
‘With rhetoric like this, SNP candidates must be scared of their own shadows.’
An SNP spokesman said: ‘Kezia Dugdale’s over the top language is absurd and she should reconsider these comments.
‘Resolutions have been put forward for consideration by SNP members to update the standing orders for the Westminster SNP group, based on the current rules operating for MSPs and on mechanisms to encourage greater gender balance amongst SNP candidates.
‘It will be for delegates at the SNP conference to decide whether or not to adopt the resolutions.’