Labour’s Kezia reveals her new love...an SNP MSP!
Scottish Labour leader reveals she’s seeing Nationalist MSP
THE leader of the Labour Party in Scotland has formed a cross-party alliance – by finding love with a Nationalist MSP.
Only months after the heartbreak of ending her engagement to her long-term partner, Kezia Dugdale yesterday announced she was in a new relationship with the SNP’s Jenny Gilruth.
The pair have been close friends since they went on a politics trip to the US last summer with young high-fliers from various parties.
Despite their differing political allegiances, their friendship blossomed and they started dating in secret around four months ago – announcing their romance publicly yesterday.
In a joint statement, they said: ‘We would like to thank our friends, family and colleagues for their kindness over the past few months and for their love and support.
‘We’d politely ask that our privacy is respected because while we are both politicians, we are also human beings – in a new relationship, which we cherish.’
The announcement was widely welcomed, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeting: ‘So love really does conquer all.’
Miss Dugdale, 35, publicly announced she was gay in April of last year. Immediately after the US trip, she got engaged to Louise Riddell, her partner of nine years, while on holiday in Port de Soller, Majorca.
Miss Gilruth was among the first to wish them well, tweeting: ‘Huge congratulations to my pals Kezia Dugdale and Louise Riddell on their engagement. Lovely news.’
At the time, Miss Dugdale described Miss Riddell as the ‘love of my life’ – but the pair separated around Christmas, only five months after exchanging rings.
Miss Dugdale started dating Miss Gilruth, 32, in March. The Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP is seen as a rising star in the SNP.
Although the relationship has been widely welcomed they may face challenges, such as keeping party confidences while plotting their opponents’ downfalls.
Miss Gilruth is parliamentary liaison officer to Education Secretary John Swinney, so is privy to confidential information about the performance of Scotland’s schools and colleges, which could be used to Labour’s advantage.
Meanwhile, Miss Dugdale is hoping to one day become First Minister by removing Miss Gilruth’s SNP from power in the next Scottish elections in 2021.
They will also find themselves on opposite sides if there is ever another independence referendum, with Miss Dugdale adamant she would never back separation from the UK and Miss Gilruth a longterm Nationalist, having been part of the SNP youth wing. And while most couples argue from time to time, none do so across the debating chamber of Holyrood in front of fellow MSPs and the media.
A friend of the couple said: ‘Kez and Jenny are so happy together and make a great couple.
‘They share much in common, but like so many couples they differ over their politics, which is something they will always agree to disagree on.’
The couple achieved the rare feat of uniting Labour and the SNP yesterday, as various members of both parties congratulated the pair on their romance.
Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: ‘So love really does conquer all! Wishing every happiness to Jenny Gilruth and Kezia Dugdale.’
Nationalist MP Stewart McDonald wrote: ‘Jenny Gilruth is one of the kindest, funniest and friendliest people I count as a friend. [My partner] Gordon and I sending love to you both! And I promise not tell Kezia Dugdale about our wild nights putting the world to right in the SNP youth wing (if you buy me enough gin).’
Iain Gray, one of Miss Dugdale’s predecessors as Sottish Labour leader, tweeted: ‘Love conquers all! Congratulations to Kezia Dugdale and Jenny Gilruth.’
Former Presiding Officer and Nationalist MSP Tricia Marwick said: ‘All the best to my friends Jenny Gilruth and Kezia Dugdale. Be happy.’
Mr Swinney, Miss Gilruth’s boss, tweeted: ‘Love definitely knows no bounds. All good wishes Jenny Gilruth and Kezia Dugdale.’
Scottish Secretary David Mundell, who announced he was gay 18 months ago, retweeted Miss Sturgeon’s post and added: ‘For once, I agree with Nicola. Politics should never be a barrier to love.’
‘In a relationship which we cherish’ ‘Politics should never be a barrier to love’