General
Friday, 10 February 2012 18:26
By G.A.Ponsonby
Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont has been urged to publicly condemn the bullying and intimidation employed by the Labour group on Glasgow City Council during this week’s budget debate, and to take disciplinary action against those responsible.
The calls from Glasgow MSP James Dornan follow reports that comments were made to a female councillor regarding her disabled son, who has an apprenticeship at a firm controlled by the Labour controlled local authority.
Mr Dornan, SNP MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, has written to Ms Lamont to urge her to take strong action, saying that Labour’s bullying tactics were unjustifiable.
The most serious allegation is that Cllr Anne Marie Millar – who resigned from the Labour Party on Tuesday this week – was led to believe her son’s apprenticeship with City Building, on which several Labour councillors sit as board members, was under threat if she failed to support her former party in a crucial budget vote.
A clearly distraught Cllr Millar broke down when giving her account of a conversation she claimed to have had with a Labour councillor. Labour won the crucial vote by a narrow margin despite defections of several Labour councillors who voted against Gordon Matheson’s ruling group.
Accusing the Labour group at the council of using “unnecessarily heavy-handed tactics” Mr Dornan, who is also a Glasgow councillor, said:
“No one who saw Cllr Millar yesterday could have been in any doubt that she had been on the receiving end of some very unpleasant behaviour. She was visibly shaken and upset by the intimidation she experienced.
“That was probably the worst example of the bullying tactics that Labour employed before and during the budget debate, but it was not the only one. Several other councillors – some of them members of the Labour group – came in for similar treatment.
“Obviously Glasgow Labour was under pressure, but that is no excuse for this disgraceful behaviour. It is no way to run a council or a city.
“Despite being Glasgow’s most senior Labour politician, Johann Lamont has been silent on this matter so far. That is not good enough. She must publicly condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and institute disciplinary proceedings against those who were responsible for it.
“Continued silence from her on this matter can only lead to the conclusion that she has no problem with her party’s councillors behaving in this manner.
“The true nature of Glasgow Labour politics was laid bare yesterday, and it was not a pretty sight. Glasgow voters will have the chance to kick them out in May.
“In the meantime, Gordon Matheson must recognise that his position as council leader is untenable and resign, and Johann Lamont must take decisive action against the bullies in the Labour group. The people of Glasgow deserve nothing less.”
Gordon Matheson, who took over as head of the Labour group from disgraced former leader Stephen Purcell, has refused to step down. A relieved Mr Matheson yesterday insisted he was relishing the forthcoming council elections and said: “bring it on”.
Mr Matheson’s group has been torn apart by a series of high profile resignations which has left Labour with a majority of just one.
Many Labour councillors are unhappy at what they see as London’s influence in the candidate selection process. May’s local authority elections could see former Labour colleagues facing one another in the battle for council wards in Glasgow.
The full text of James Dornan’s letter to Johann Lamont is below
Dear Johann
You will, I’m sure, be aware of the very serious allegations of intimidation and bullying by members of the Labour group at Glasgow City Council before and during yesterday’s budget debate.
The most serious allegation is that of the threat that was made to Cllr Anne Marie Millar in relation to her disabled son’s apprenticeship with City Building. No one who saw Cllr Millar yesterday could be in any doubt that she had been on the receiving end of intimidating behaviour: she was visibly shaken and upset.
I am very concerned that the official response of the Labour Council leadership to Cllr Miller’s allegation appeared to be “no comment”, without any commitment to investigate the matter urgently.
That was not the only incident reported, however, and it is clear that some unnecessarily heavy-handed tactics were employed by some members of the Labour group yesterday.
I realise that the Labour group was under some considerable pressure yesterday, however that in no way justifies the bullying and intimidation which took place. It is no way to run a Council or a city. Glasgow deserves better.
As leader of Scottish Labour and Labour’s most senior Glasgow politician, I trust that you plan to take strong action on this matter.
I urge you to publicly condemn yesterday’s behaviour by Labour and to begin disciplinary proceedings against those who were responsible for it.
I would be grateful if you could respond to me with details of the action you intend to take.
I look forward to hearing from you.
yours sincerely,
James Dornan
Comments
2012-02-10 18:49
2012-02-10 21:39
Great letter but it’s the response I want to see both in letter and in actuality.
Lamont won’t reply or respond to anything.
2012-02-10 23:06
Great letter but it’s the response I want to see both in letter and in actuality.
And the reply should unequivocally denounce the bullying and set an example that bully tactics will not be tolerated for any reason.
The original anti bullying research and campaign back in the 90’s identified that eliminating bullying in any organisation had to start from the top down otherwise it was not really effective.
A few other UK organisations could greatly benefit from clearing out their bullies as well by the way.
2012-02-11 11:06
The Herald new policy of blanking their own articles, when they disagree with the editorial policy, seems a wee “too much”.
Do you agree or disagree?
See: heraldscotland.com/…/…
‘Holyrood has authority over referendum’
2012-02-11 11:08
A ten year sentence for the “hard man” would be about right.
2012-02-10 18:49
It wouldn’t be in her interests, or Labour’s, not to.
2012-02-10 19:00
I’m sure that Johann, as a female politician, will do the right thing.
Surely she’s keen to use her “as a mother” quip again. No?
2012-02-10 20:43
2012-02-12 17:13
I’m sure that Johann, as a female politician, will do the right thing.
It wouldn’t be in her interests, or Labour’s, not to.
Doubt it.
There seems to be something about Pollock than brings out the worst in a lot of labour politicians. I don’ t know why, the people seem OK
It is just the politicians who seem to be tainted.
2012-02-10 19:01
2012-02-10 20:17
Labour’s instinctive reaction yesterday was to accuse the SNP of attempted smears.
I was trying to imagine a scenario where a woman broke down weeping live on TV news after accusing a male SNP Councillor of intimidation prior to a vote.
The media reaction would have been huge and calls for resignations at all levels automatic.
It says a lot about Scotland that I was actually grateful to see the story covered at all.
2012-02-10 19:02
If folk will stoop as low as this to keep control of a city, how low will they stoop to keep control of a country?
2012-02-10 19:38
i doubt we’ll hear anything from Lamont. As the press and media won’t report it, she doesn’t have to say anything.
2012-02-10 20:01
I’ve been a lurker for a few weeks, but this is my first post.
If folk will stoop as low as this to keep control of a city, how low will they stoop to keep control of a country?
Well said. Welcome and bide a wee.
2012-02-10 21:14
I think the longer you lurk, the more you will see the tactics and the more you will wonder how it passed you by before.
Good to have you on board.
2012-02-10 22:39
I’ve been a lurker for a few weeks, but this is my first post.
If folk will stoop as low as this to keep control of a city, how low will they stoop to keep control of a country?
Welcome aboard Juteman. I assume from your chosen ID that you’re from the city of Jute, Jam, Journalism and Pehs, only 20 miles from my Fair City of Perth. Good first post too, by the way, and right on the mark!
2012-02-10 19:25
Disgusted members voting against the budget. Mass resignations. Enforcers from London coming up to sack half the sitting councillors. Corrupt leader sacked for corruption and links with gangsters. Bullying and intimidation of Labour councillors. Veiled threats to sack disabled sons of prevaricating councillors.
It would seem that Ms Lamont’s new improved Scottish Labour Party is very much like the old one. She will need to act quickly on this to avoid the impression of business as usual.
2012-02-10 19:34
2012-02-10 20:19
The story, as many will be aware, is the one relating to the continuing troubles at the heart of the Labour Party, who presently run Glasgow City Council. Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest council; Labour councilors are at each other’s throats; the whole council is in complete turmoil and a further 2 councilors resigned today. If this wasn’t worthy of significant coverage, I don’t know what is? The BBS obviously sees things differently.
As an institution, which has responsibilitie s to abide by a charter that purports to lay down clear and principled rules with regard to fair and unbiased reporting. The BBC, as I have witnessed this evening, has fallen well short of the standards it claims to uphold.
All the evidence suggests that it is behaving with a partiality that is wholly unacceptable and a disgrace. It is a disgrace because the inalienable right of every license holder in Scotland to an impartial service is being abused. In other words, the BBC is treating all of us in Scotland with utter contempt.
As a license holder, I want – no, I demand an explanation as to why the BBC deems a news story of such political import to be worthy of such little airtime. An impartial outsider could be forgiven for arriving at the conclusion that the BBC was trying to bury the story for it’s own political reasons, which perhaps might suggest that the BBC has an agenda and if so, I want to know what that agenda is. I’d like to think they will come clean, but I won’t be holding my breath
2012-02-10 20:46
2012-02-10 21:02
2012-02-10 21:03
i’d like to think they will come clean bit i won’ t be holding my breath
you could always write and complain to the bbc…but dont hold your breath for a fair outcome, thier bias is really rubbing our noses in it and it angers me that there is next to nothing i can do, if it was another brodcaster/sky / virgin, ect or any newspaper i can choose not to buy, but the bbc.. its unfair undemocratic and plain wrong. i’m sure if i was able to withdraw my “tv tax ” things would be very different
2012-02-10 21:51
Quote:
i’d like to think they will come clean bit i won’ t be holding my breath
you could always write and complain to the bbc…but dont hold your breath for a fair outcome, thier bias is really rubbing our noses in it and it angers me that there is next to nothing i can do, if it was another brodcaster/sky / virgin, ect or any newspaper i can choose not to buy, but the bbc.. its unfair undemocratic and plain wrong. i’m sure if i was able to withdraw my “tv tax ” things would be very different
Quoting roger:
Quote:
i’d like to think they will come clean bit i won’ t be holding my breath
you could always write and complain to the bbc…but dont hold your breath for a fair outcome, thier bias is really rubbing our noses in it and it angers me that there is next to nothing i can do, if it was another brodcaster/sky / virgin, ect or any newspaper i can choose not to buy, but the bbc.. its unfair undemocratic and plain wrong. i’m sure if i was able to withdraw my “tv tax ” things would be very different
Surely the BBC are in breach of contract ? shouldn’t the Scottish government be releasing statements saying that they are considering bringing forward emergency legislation that would make the Scottish courts look at how fair people in Scotland are treated, before deciding if they will pursue a case for a citizen not paying the tv licence. IE if the PF gets a letter from the BBC they write to the person who has to explain why they do not have the licence. If the person claims political bias then the BBc need to show evidence that this is unreasonable before the Scottish courts will take the person to court. This serves a number of purposes, the main ones being:
1. It will make people aware of the bias.
2. It will be a shot across the bows of the BBC when it’s first announced.
Lets start emailing and contacting the SNP to ask them why we are being forced to pay money to be lied to by the BBC.
2012-02-10 23:49
Maybe there will even be enough to register it as a backlash!
2012-02-10 19:37
2012-02-10 19:43
2012-02-10 19:44
But, she’s got form already over other items that should/would have incensed any woman/mother /leader.
What about her faux indignation and shameful exposure of a rape case victim – another poor young woman – with no retraction, justification, or apology offered?
What about her motherly instincts when a labour councillor told a child abuse inquiry, that the girl victim, a child of 12, “was asking for it!” and that the consent age for sex should be lowered? No comment, no interest, no care, from her!
What about her sense of propriety and moral political leadership, when it was shown that not one, but two labour baillies, who were present at the same abuse case hearing, did not hear what was said, but an attending police officer certainly did and reported it? No comment from her, yet again!
Is it any wonder decent minded folk are packing in the Labour party in their droves?
By the way Juteman, welcome aboard – your on the right track now!
2012-02-10 19:46
I must say that in spite of all, I admire the Labour councillors who, for whatever reason, are standing up at last, it must be very difficult to do in the current atmosphere.
It’s also reassuring to see that the SNP are behaving as you’d expect a serious party to behave, not that I’d expect anything else, but it just highlights the distance between them and the rest for all to see
2012-02-10 19:51
As this is a goverment funded scheme a scrutiny should be made of all the apprenticies taken on by these labour controlled companies to check and see that all the applicants were treated in an impartial manner with no favour being shown to members of the ruling labour party
2012-02-10 19:55
Sometimes i’ve felt like smashing the TV, but i discovered Newsnet and realised that i wasn’t alone. 🙂
Did anyone else pick up on the comment from Spewing Stevenson on Call Kaye?
“I spoke to Trump on the phone for half an hour last week.”
Giving him ‘advice’?
2012-02-10 20:00
1. Cllr Stephen Curran
2. Cllr Gilbert Davidson
3. Cllr Mohammed Razaq
As Deputy Leader Johnann Lamont made this speech at the Labour party conference.
Quote:
That government at every level can and must make use of the power at its disposal to make a difference for individuals, families and communities. In these difficult times we need to be clear.
Equalities is not an add on for when the times are good.
Tackling discrimination is not just for when the sun shines.
And ensuring safe working conditions, fair pay and equal pay are not a bonus but are at the core of our economic strategy.
Across all levels of government we need:
• action to support vulnerable children,
• action to support carers
• action to reach out to women facing violence in their own homes
• action to create safer communities free from anti social behaviour and the bullying and intimidation that goes with it.
All these and many more remain critical to government action in tacking poverty, disadvantage and discrimination and are part of our strategy as much tackling the banks.
Lets Lamont back up these words with action. Who made the threats and will the Scottish Labour take immediate action.
2012-02-10 21:21
2012-02-10 20:03
Far too tricky for any comment to be made!
2012-02-10 20:30
the silence of Lamont.
I’ve filed this one for future use (apologies, I’ve removed your second “the”).
With Ed Miliband as Buffalo Bill, of course…
2012-02-10 20:07
scotsman.com/…/…
2012-02-10 21:23
In a comment in response to this article, Dr James Wilkie makes a good point and on something that was covered here a few months ago.
Look at the Scotland-UN Committee papers at
www.realmofscotland.com
According to Dr Wilkie, the Scotland-UN group is now part of the Scottish Democratic Alliance (SDA).
I’ve noticed him comment on several of the more legal articles and his input is exceptionally high quality.
Not sure if it is independence leaning but certainly neutral and pulls no punches so is refreshing.
2012-02-10 22:47
2012-02-10 23:41
Try typing the words Newsnet Scotland into a Scottish Papers website and see how long it lasts.
The UK wide papers are not so harsh on promoting the site.
Also this site is funded by donations and advertising while being run as a charity. It doesn’t leave much to buy advertising space with.
The best way this site can expand is through word of mouth and donations from readers when they can afford it.
2012-02-10 20:07
2012-02-10 20:40
To be honest, Lamont spends all her time giving AS our FM a hard time. She will see nothing wrong in this sort of threatening behaviour. Afterall, it is what labour do,isn’t it?
A hard time? I think the hardest thing for Mr.Salmond is to try not to laugh at her.
2012-02-10 20:35
Its not as if the Tories and Labour are allies.
2012-02-10 21:30
In Westminster think:-
“The enemy of my enemy is my friend… so I may as well emulate them while we are both hating the SNP”
2012-02-10 20:15
2012-02-10 20:15
I tried to post another comment, but it seems to have vanished.
If i said something i shouldn’t have, could the moderator let me know?
Moderator: All posts by newly registered posters must be reviewed by our moderation team before publication. We do this to weed out trolls, spammers, and those who are deliberately disruptive or offensive. After a week of posting, your ID will be upgraded, and your posts will appear automatically.
We apologise for the delay in approving comments from newly registered IDs, but recently the site has become much busier, giving our hard pressed volunteer moderation team a lot more work to do.
2012-02-10 20:25
2012-02-10 20:40
And welcome to Juteman, enjoy yourself.
Vote Better, Vote SNP.
2012-02-10 20:49
2012-02-10 20:52
It was plain from the voice (unless he always sounds like that) that the Labour leader in Glasgow got the fright of his political life last night. It is all hands to the pumps in Glasgow. Johann is likely to see the letter as a declaration of war. At least that is my take on how it will pan out. She may confound me, be decisive and kick some butt.
2012-02-10 21:26
I take it she wasn’t a maths teacher???
2012-02-10 22:56
As long as they dont ask her to do the sums for the budget…
I take it she wasn’t a maths teacher???
Hopefully not, Sleekit. The previous two leaders of the North British Labour Group in Holyrood, McConnell and Gray, were both maths teachers. Judging by how articulate she isn’t when trying to read fron her prepared scripts at FMQs, I would guess she was a PE teacher in charge of the school rugby team, specifically the front five forwards! With hasty apologies to any former All Blacks who may be reading this – only kidding, honest!
2012-02-10 21:06
It would appear there is a running theme within labour of bullying and intimidation particularily towards women.
2012-02-10 21:08
2012-02-10 21:10
Johann Lamont is placed in a difficult position
A position she chose, and in which she has been found wanting already. I have no sympathy, and quite frankly the Labour Party’s attitude towards women’s issues and violence towards women disgusts me.
2012-02-10 21:47
It may be that she is being leant on herself if somebody has something on Archie.
2012-02-10 22:37
Dismiss the allegations as untrue. or
Condemn them if they are true. or
Articulate to the public that an enquiry is to take place to establish the facts.
if she has not made any of the above by the 10’o’clock news tonight she has failed in her responsibilitie s.
Mind you, by the time she checks it out with Miniballs in London, we could give her until tomorrow morning.
BBC coverage of this has been cowardly and devious to date.
Welcome to Juteman and all the new names on NNS.
2012-02-10 23:18
It is a warning to the SNP who are not in a dire situation like Labour, but their councillors must also make themselves fully aware of what is going on at the Holyrood level and pull together too.
2012-02-12 03:20
…although she may be able to investigate as Scottish Labour leader…
Oh, I’m sure she’ll carry out a very painstaking investigation – after all, isn’t she now the leader of ALL the Labour party in Scotland, not anyone else, not Ed Miliband, just Johann Lamont. Now’s her chance to sort things out. I’m sure she’s raring to go. 🙂
Not gonnae hold my breath, though!
Anyway, she’s still to notice that Ravenscraig is no more, so it could take her quite a while to notice anything amiss.
2012-02-12 17:19
Johann Lamont is placed in a difficult position with this one as her husband, Archie Graham, is Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council. However, I do think that Johann would find any bullying or intimadation of Labour Councillors by others, totally unacceptable. To me, she does not appear to be a person who would ignore such behaviour. I dont know if she has a locus to investigate what goes on within a council, although she may be able to investigate as Scottish Labour leader. The allegations do need to be investigated, but not internally, and if found to be true, then those councillors involved should be disciplined.
Yup. Poor Archie.
He’s stuck between a rock and a hard face.
2012-02-10 21:12
I hope you will bear with me if I don’t proffer any support for the rugby team wearing the thistle on Sunday. For 80 minutes, I fear I have to return to type and favour my own countrymen. Normal service will be resumed on Monday – whatever the result.
May the best team win – so long as it’s wearing red jerseys…
Welsh Sion
2012-02-10 21:39
PS not the best thread to have dropped an OT into as feelings are hot on this one – bullying and harrassment – OK for some organisations apparently.
2012-02-10 23:30
I shall be there on Sunday and after a few pints in the Borough with my cyfellion from Ystradgynlais, I shall watch the rebirth of Scottish Rugby as we triumph in the finest stadium in these islands.
And diolch fawr for all your past support for the Scottish cause. I hope the result on Sunday does not dilute this.
2012-02-10 23:52
I hope you will bear with me if I don’t proffer any support for the rugby team wearing the thistle on Sunday.
Never fear, we don’t take it to heart unless the opposition is from across our only land border. We are quite sporting with everyone else.
2012-02-11 13:58
I know you’re goading me! And, yes, as previously stated – normal service to be resumed from Monday. Whatever happens.
crossed-flag-pins.com/…/…
Pity you couldn’t send the ‘white team’ home, tae think again…
Yours, in amity,
2012-02-10 21:27
2012-02-10 23:58
2012-02-10 21:57
My other posts haven’t been accepted.
Am i being censored for some reason?
Luckily i’m ‘onside’. Someone on the edge could be put off by this treatment.
I’ll email someone who i know is a Newsnet regular to see if all ‘newbies’ get treated this way.
2012-02-10 22:13
2012-02-10 22:14
2012-02-10 22:42
This is the third time i’ve tried to thank folk for welcoming me.
My other posts haven’t been accepted.
Am i being censored for some reason?
Luckily i’m ‘onside’. Someone on the edge could be put off by this treatment.
I’ll email someone who i know is a Newsnet regular to see if all ‘newbies’ get treated this way.
I cant think why you would be censored, I ve always found it friendly here and never had any posts modded out
2012-02-10 23:20
2012-02-11 00:00
This is the third time i’ve tried to thank folk for welcoming me.
My other posts haven’t been accepted.
Am i being censored for some reason?
Luckily i’m ‘onside’. Someone on the edge could be put off by this treatment.
I’ll email someone who i know is a Newsnet regular to see if all ‘newbies’ get treated this way.
Nah! You are all right. It is just that new posters must be checked by the Mods in case they are trolls.
2012-02-11 05:02
2012-02-15 11:04
2012-02-11 07:06
“ This is the third time i’ve tried to thank folk for welcoming me.
My other posts haven’t been accepted.
Am i being censored for some reason?
Luckily i’m ‘onside’. Someone on the edge could be put off by this treatment.
I’ll email someone who i know is a Newsnet regular to see if all ‘newbies’ get treated this way. “
Unfortunately Juteman during the infancy of this site there was a protracted period were we were bombarded with spam and troll postings, so much so that discussions could not be held due to the amount of crap that you had to wade through, and many members were responding to them, thus they were diverting the intended aims of this site and the topic of conversation.
At the time some members were calling for some kind of limited membership. Fortunately NNS chose to moderate new members to ensure that it did not happen again…. Unfortunately the downside is the moderation on new members. I think that is a wee price to pay to protect the ethos and flow of discussions on this site.
2012-02-10 22:01
Is it just me or did the queue coming out of Glasgow Council chambers yesterday look auful like a painting by Hieronymous Bosch? It looks like we are nearing the end of Scottish Labour as we know it.
I suspect independence will turn out to be the shock that finally forces them to think about who they are and what they believe in. No doubt they’ll thank us… later.
btw – Auld Bob, sorry for plagiarising your user name (almost)
2012-02-10 23:10
2012-02-10 23:50
I think you are right about independence being a catalyst for the Labour Party to reform and renew itself.
As an ex labour supporter I cant say it would be a bad thing. If we are going to have a vibrant democracy we need an opposition with talent and ideas…
Needless to say, we dont have that now.
2012-02-12 03:29
It’s a perfect opportunity and one they should grasp with both hands. I wonder whether they will.
Ah, tiny wee problemette – Boss Ed might not approve. Oh well.
2012-02-11 00:04
2012-02-10 22:04
Lamonts silence so far, is typical of the way the labour party have approached power for many years although never have i see such a disgraceful episode than the one i listened to and watched on twitter, but many things are changing in scotland snd through the social media a lot more people are getting to hear waht happened at the GCC, i think we are watching the death throws of scottish labour, what will come after we get indy certainly i hope a return to the real labour with real valued that everyone can at least respect even if they don’t totaly agree
2012-02-11 00:06
2012-02-10 22:09
Lamont and the Unionist msm’s silence is deafening. As for May’s council elections, bring it on indeed.
Welcome to Juteman, glad you also spared the telly!
2012-02-10 22:34
New Labour have brought this on themselves and the numpties at BBC Scotland are not getting away with airbrushing this as it is all over STV like a rash.
Thursday the 9th of February may go down in history as the day New Labour’s Scottish Region ate itself. For those who know their Shakespeare I would go as far as describing this as New Labour in Scotland’s ‘Coriolanus momment’ when the people of Scotland find out exactly what was in the pie New Labour’s Scottish Region wanted us to eat.
2012-02-10 22:43
2012-02-10 23:20
2012-02-10 23:35
A few hours ago on BBC Scotland’s front web page there was link to a story more prominently displayed, a story about “Argyll and Bute Council suspend employee over ‘spy’ accounts” bbc.co.uk/…/…
Argyll and Bute has no Labour councillors.
What is obvious to me is that this story is one they have been sitting on and holding in reserve, just for a day like today when the want to push a story out of focus.
They must have realised that it was an obvious tactic which would highlight their bias, since there is no longer a link to that story on their front page, or on the Glasgow and west page.
I only wish I took a screen-shot.
2012-02-11 00:18
2012-02-11 00:26
Your area in particular is traditionally Labour have you noticed a change?
Do you have an opinion to offer on Labour in Fife?
You say you ran your own website it would be great to look it up! What was it called?
2012-02-10 23:53
2012-02-11 00:46
A bunch of Independents and Libdems with the tacit support of the Tories run the show.
The SNP and some truly independent councillors make up the opposition.
there are no Labour councillors
2012-02-11 01:11
However .. I still think it’s suspicious that the link to the story disappeared hours after it was posted on the BBC Scotland news homepage.
2012-02-11 00:57
What were they doing there?
Surely after years of running Glasgow Labour must have someone capable of dealing with a crisis?
Then again maybe they know the answer better than we do and sent out for help.
2012-02-11 01:33
BBC to issue global apology for documentaries that broke rules:
independent.co.uk/…/…
“ The BBC will today apologise to an estimated 74 million people around the world for a news fixing scandal, exposed by The Independent, in which it broadcast documentaries made by a London TV company that was earning millions of pounds from PR clients which it featured in its programming. “
Meanwhile back in Scotland all is well on the home front for the EBC, or so it appears.
2012-02-11 10:44
2012-02-11 11:27
2012-02-11 07:35
Three articles in that diminished rag on ‘roads’ and yet another trump boring article…………..that’ll save the union no probs eh?
Not likely!
2012-02-11 10:06
The article is hilarious fuming off a stream of previous disasters but the best bit is a couple of quotes from his Labour allies on the Council which do anything but help him.
It appears there will be an enquiry.
The best bit is that despite his catalogue of disaster he was approved to be a Labour candidate in May.
High standards indeed!
2012-02-11 10:12
The Herald understands many in the Labour group are furious Mr Davidson is embroiled in renewed controversy. One said: “He wouldn’t have meant anything. People know what Gilbert’s like. But he shouldn’t have said anything to Anne Marie and certainly not mention anything about her family.”
heraldscotland.com/…/…
The banter, the banter.
Move along now, nothing to see.
2012-02-11 10:31
“Do unto others before they do unto you”.
2012-02-11 11:37
Two years ago, The Herald revealed he had been arrested at his home after allegedly sending suggestive voice mails and text messages to former Glasgow Lord Provost Liz Cameron and asking her to share a hotel room with him during a local by-election.
The charges against the Springburn councillor, who was suspended by Labour during the investigation, were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
So despite Liz Cameron having voice mails and text messages as hard evidence, it wasn’t enough for the Labour council to dismiss him.
Either that, or Ms Cameron was making it up.
2012-02-11 10:08
Unfortunately, Robbie Dinwoodie’s PC froze before he could write the article.
heraldscotland.com/…/…
2012-02-11 11:01
consult.scotland.gov.uk/…/…
I don’t want to participate in the Westminster one.
2012-02-11 14:58
2012-02-11 12:58
I don’t want to participate in the Westminster one.
I didn’t know we could. I thought they were only consulting unelectable divorce lawyers and other bitter, failed politicians.
2012-02-11 11:07
Iain Gray October 30th 2011
2012-02-11 11:21
2012-02-11 11:36
As one labour councillor put it, “Glasgow council are run by Westminster!”
I cannot see that any supporters would be happy about this, and yes it was done in a bullying and shoddy manner.
Quite shameful really and no cloak of spin can hide what they have done.
Of course the buffoon Clarke was sent up, by Milliband to instruct the Scots how to make a mess!, and of course it certainly did.
Glasgow is a great city, the city and it’s people deserve better.
Time for a change.
2012-02-11 17:56
I wonder what Glasgow constituents think about the deselection and the deselected?
Were they ever consulted?
If the intention of the Labour Party was just to put in some people with a tougher public image to help their own fortunes, whilst throwing out people who may have served their communities well, it would be much more dire situation for the reputation of Scottish Labour.
We shall know more if the deselected are re-elected as independents in May.
2012-02-11 12:32
2012-02-11 16:30
2012-02-11 20:58
If you do it once you have to keep on doing it, even when it goes against your own beliefs.
Labour should be well used to this type of situation by now.
Their continuing presence here is proof positive that in general, the electorate have little or no interest in politicians or politics coupled to a very short memory when it comes to politics.
I hope the referendum can get people here politically motivated, if not then what will?
2012-02-11 22:11
Lamont has no where to go.
I give her a couple of months before she get,s booted by London, they are in a blind panic.
She just aint got it.
Deep down I think she realizes that she is not fit for purpose.
2012-02-11 23:14
Her attack on AS. over Fred Goodwin could be judged to have been silly considering it was Labour that knighted him and appointed him as an advisor, but with the media on your side, you know that you can have a go and try and make the mud stick with the help of the press. Thankfully, many are waking up to this now.
Since she became leader I have not heard one single policy announcement from her, and while she urges the SNP to come up with specifics on policy after independence, at least we know where the SNP stand on Tuition fees, Trident, Council Tax freeze, Renewables, Free Prescriptions, Elderly Care and the NHS because they are in Government doing these things.
Same could be said of Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie, time for them to start showing where they stand on these issues.
2012-02-11 23:37
Time to start asking her.
Did she ever reply to CND when they enquired about her stance on Trident in the end ? I’m presuming not.
2012-02-11 23:41
2012-02-12 23:16
2012-02-12 23:27
2012-02-12 23:36
I am always worried by those persons’s sitting on the sidelines watching whats going on –before saying something– Lamont’s Deputy for example or in the bigger debate John Reid of (we won’t need to fire a bullet in Afghanistan fame). Let Labour destroy itself let us focus on the bigger picture and fight that lies ahead
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