Murphy will apologise to Scots for losing elections and not listening
JIM Murphy will today apologise for Labour’s failure to listen to the people of Scotland and for losing two Scottish elections in succession.
The front-runner for the Scottish leadership will admit Labour has lacked a vision for Scotland and will pledge to change the party as it faces its deepest crisis in recent history.
In a speech to activists and politicians to mark the official launch of his leadership campaign, the shadow international development secretary will attempt to draw a line under the failures of the past.
The East Renfrewshire MP will say that his 100 towns in 100 days tour during the referendum had shown people wanted politicians to tackle poverty and create jobs.
Looking back at Labour’s failure to stem the tide of SNP support, Mr Murphy will say that the public felt Labour had not listened to them.
“I want to apologise because twice Scots have said they didn’t think we were good enough to govern in Scotland – in 2007 and 2011. We didn’t listen to them. That has to change,” Mr Murphy will say.
“I want a Labour Party that is as proud and confident as the country we seek to govern.
“I want people to feel a sense of passion and pride in voting Labour again. But for that to happen I know that I have to apologise.”
Mr Murphy will argue that people are still in tune with Labour ideals, but it was the party’s inability to articulate them in a compelling vision which led has led to its decline.
“Let’s be honest, it’s our vision for Scotland. Or more truthfully our lack of vision. We have been rejected and now we need to change.”
Mr Murphy’s speech in Edinburgh comes as the battle for the deputy leadership hots up in the wake of the resignation of Anas Sarwar on Thursday night.
Last night Kezia Dugdale, the Lothians list MSP, was emerging as the favourite in that contest, although the left-winger Katy Clark, the MP for North Ayrshire and Arran, is expected to stand against her.
When it comes to the top job, which became vacant when Johann Lamont quit last week, Mr Murphy is being challenged by Neil Findlay, the Holyrood health spokesman, and the former Holyrood minister Sarah Boyack.
Ms Dugdale has yet to formally declare that she intends to stands for the deputy position but T he Scotsman understands she has been canvassing support amongst MPs and MSPs. Should she succeed, Labour could end up with a leadership team that sees Jim Murphy lead the Scottish party from Westminster while Ms Dugdale acts as the figurehead at Holyrood.