Sir Keir’s Scots ‘Red Wall’ bid

SIR Keir Starmer is to launch research into boosting Labour’s Scottish chances at the next General Election – as he seeks to gain more than 20 MPs north of the Border.

The Labour leader’s strategy chief Deborah Mattinson will spearhead the analysis, which will emulate work undertaken on the Red Wall – a group of former Labour strongholds snatched by the Tories on a wave of support for Boris Johnson’s pledge to get Brexit done in 2019.

The research will inform an advertising campaign in a bid to win over target voters. An insider said: ‘Young people will get our plan to make the UK a clean energy superpower. The north-east of Scotland will be told about 105,000 new jobs. It’s about identifying convincing arguments.’

A source told The Times: ‘When it comes to energy, the resource Scotland has is incredible. Industry thriving in Scotland is great for the UK as well. Scotland’s success is the UK’s success.’

The push from Labour HQ comes as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has been plagued by claims he is only a ‘branch office’ chief.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir has been at the centre of internal criticism from MSPs for his views on gender reform. He said he considers 16 to be too young to change gender – in opposition to the policy position taken by the Scottish arm of the party. A source said: ‘No one knows what Starmer stands for now.’

Labour may soon face an electoral test if SNP Covid rule-breaker Margaret Ferrier’s impending suspension triggers a by-election in Rutherglen and Hamilton West.