One of the front runners in the race to be the deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party is visiting Stornoway today.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie is seeking support from local members of the party to become Richard Leonard’s number two.
The vacancy arose after the previous post-
On announcing her candidacy last month, Ms Baillie said the “decline” of the party meant its future is “hanging in the balance.”
Two “crushing defeats” in 2019 showed the Scottish electorate “lost trust in our leadership and were confused by our manifesto.”
She added: “My aim is to unite the Party and bring members together from across the political spectrum, in order to rebuild the Party for the future.”
Last night, she met with Labour Party members in Stornoway talking about her vision for the future of Scottish Labour and the need to reconnect with communities in every part of Scotland.
Today, she will be visiting Outer Hebrides Tourism and Tighean Innse Gall.
Ms Baillie has served in the Scottish Parliament since 1999, winning her constituency seat at every election, against the odds.
She said she would bring a wealth of campaigning, parliamentary and ministerial experience to the job, having served in Donald Dewar’s first Scottish Government.
Jackie Baillie said:“I am delighted to be here in Stornoway, listening to local people about the issues that matter to them the most.
“If Scottish Labour wants to win across Scotland again, then we must be in tune with every part of it – not just with the big cities on the mainland. For too long, decisions which affect Labour members across Scotland have been made in an office in Glasgow.
“Not only must Highland and island voices be listened to within the decision making process, they should be part of it. I am immensely proud of my Scottish identity and the Scottish Labour Party needs to be the party of the Scottish people again.”
She said Labour previous “proudly represented the Western Isles for decades.”
“Since then voters have gone elsewhere. For Scottish Labour to regain that lost trust, we must never again be unclear about the two greatest issues of the day – Brexit and the constitution.
“For the party to remain relevant in Scottish politics our route back must be based on winning again in every village, town and city, the length and breadth of Scotland.
“Our party will only regain the trust of local people and begin to win again when we put aside our differences and work together. I am asking members to put their faith in me as their deputy leader for the sake of our communities, our country and our party. A vote for me is a vote for change.”
Scottish Labour deputy leadership hopeful campaigns in Western Isles
7 February 2020