THE LATEST “CHANGE”
When it comes to problem solving, the SNP have abandoned all pretence it is a democratic process. As the nominations for office and the NEC closed, giving the leadership advance notice of who the main challengers would be (based on the number of nominations for each candidate)the rule book was being extended to provide more avenues for resisting moves by Party members to reclaim their Party. Another eleven pages of rules suddenly appeared as if from nowhere.
This would be bad enough in any situation but when some of those responsible for the new rules are involved in the election contests themselves it really is appalling bad practice to allow them to set the rules. The more so in that they have not been approved by any recognised body in the Party, not even the NEC. Where did these powers come from? Who said this was OK?
As the blandest Conference Agenda ever gets an outing this weekend in the face of huge criticism from members and after over 130 motions were ditched by the Conference Committee is favour of these bland, say nothing new resolutions, the organisers are taking no chances on members staging any signs of frustration. So one of the key chances to do so sees the removal of the “remit back” option for speakers. Traditionally this has always been an option for delegates to express a concern that a resolution lacked focus or effectiveness. Not taking that chance with this years resolutions, it’s a straight for or against, so you either vote for the bland motion or you vote against any of the motherhood and apple pie motions and gift a huge story to unionism. This is what happens when the abuse of members rights has reached the level where you don’t feel they can be trusted to blindly support whatever you put in front of them. It would be fair to say this is not the restrictive actions you would expect in what has been a Democratic Party in the past.
Not all the changes are bad, introducing spending controls and reporting on internal selection elections is a good idea as there was evidence that paid advertising on social media was being used in some selection contests, so some form of regulation to ensure fair elections seems to me to be worthwhile.
The problems caused by the abuse of power experienced by ordinary members and the many problems caused by the NEC power grab over the vetting and selection procedures, that denied and reduced the role of constituency associations has created a sense of distrust and dissatisfaction which can only be overcome with a new NEC being elected. A new NEC following the much more democratic and open procedures that preceded the calamitous changes that created the NEC monster that has so divided the Party through their wreckless abandon of the Party Constitution in the last year.
That is the task delegates face this weekend and for everyone’s sake I hope they are up for that challenge. It is not an overstatement to say the future of Independence and Indyref 2 is dependent on them getting it right. I wish you all a successful conference.
THE CONSEQUENCES
Following the selection contests that saw only two Woke candidates being selected from 32 contests despite many being handed significant advantages by the vetting and selection procedures,the SNP name is now being trashed in Woke circles for failing to select their anointed.
It is now being suggested that if the Woke suffer further serious reverses in the NEC elections at the weekend then Monday might witness an exodus to the Greens under the “wacky policies, can travel” banner. Don’t tell Patrick.
I am, as always
Yours for Scotland.
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LATE NEWS
Press Release:
Immediate
With the SNP Conference set to start on Saturday 28th of November. A group of SNP candidates have come together to offer a clear message for party delegates to vote for.
To support the simple 4 key principles of Transparency, Accountability, Equality and Independence a web campaign has been created. www.snpgoodguys.com lists candidates that have publicly committed to the 4 simple clear principles.
No manifesto or single issue policies just support to help Scotland’s largest political party win the next Scottish Parliamentary election in May 2021.
Delegates wishing some helpful guidance simply need to visit www.snpgoodguys.com
YOURS FOR SCOTLAND 