Wendy hit by leak By Paul Hutcheon, Scottish Political Editor
WENDY ALEXANDER'S supporters have planned another orchestrated "ring- round" to the media in a desperate bid to prop up her flagging leadership.
A leaked Shadow Cabinet minute has declared that the widely ridiculed tactic of reading a pre-prepared "loyalty script" to selected journalists has been "successful".
Now a new script has been prepared in which her MSPs will read out typed notes on why Labour did not support the SNP's budget.
The revelation comes as Alexander continues to face questions about her leadership in the wake of her accepting an illegal £950 donation from Jersey tax-exile Paul Green.
She was rocked last month by claims that a member of her shadow cabinet, East Kilbride MSP Andy Kerr, was ready to replace her as leader.
The rumours resulted in shadow cabinet members being issued with typed scripts that praised Alexander.
The senior MSPs were told to read out the scripts to journalists in an attempt to convey loyalty to her.
However, the strategy backfired badly after the ring-round notes were leaked to the press. One section read: "I'm phoning because the whole of the Labour shadow cabinet is united behind Wendy's leadership and is fed up reading otherwise in the papers.
Now a shadow cabinet minute from January 30, which has been leaked to the Sunday Herald, claims the much-mocked strategy should be repeated:
"It was agreed that the contact made with the press was successful and should continue. The script should be amended."
The additional bullet points relate to the SNP government's budget and set out why Labour could not vote for it. The first spoon-fed point for senior Labour MSPs is: "1. Suggestions that Labour should have done a deal with the SNP is ridiculous. JS John Swinney will NEVER do a deal with Labour because we are the only political force that can defeat the SNP."
It adds: "2. Success for JS would have been to bring forth a minority government's budget that had the support of all minority parties because of co-operation and negotiation. He not even sic attempted to engage the largest opposition party.
The script concludes: "3. Labour has made our priorities for the budget clear. We will speak to anyone at any time who wants to find a way of introducing social justice to the budget."
A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat. All the shadow cabinet are united behind Wendy's leadership and they were pleased that the media had finally started to reflect that."
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Posted by: Neil, Aberdeenshire on 12:47am Sun 10 Feb 08
The mole's still going strong, I see.
The mole's still going strong, I see.
Posted by: Drew S, Glasgow on 12:47am Sun 10 Feb 08
I never bother commenting on these articles normally, but isnt it about time Paul you started actually writing stories about news and what the the government was actually doing rather than innuendo and gossip?
I never bother commenting on these articles normally, but isnt it about time Paul you started actually writing stories about news and what the the government was actually doing rather than innuendo and gossip?
Posted by: Alex Porter, Madrid on 12:50am Sun 10 Feb 08
Wendy is a treasure for the SNP.
Regarding the tactic of reading a pre-prepared "loyalty script" - is this the same type of script that the Electoral Commission published?
Wendy is a treasure for the SNP.
Regarding the tactic of reading a pre-prepared "loyalty script" - is this the same type of script that the Electoral Commission published?
Posted by: Celtic Lion, Roar on 12:51am Sun 10 Feb 08
Labour have gone cuckoo. Even the quote from the spokeswoman was obviously scripted.
Labour have gone cuckoo. Even the quote from the spokeswoman was obviously scripted.
Posted by: Vivas, Embra on 12:53am Sun 10 Feb 08
I'm also ready to sign up to this script...where do I sign and show my support for Wendy ? Can the SNP sign [italic]en masse[/italic] too ??
Happy days !
I'm also ready to sign up to this script...where do I sign and show my support for Wendy ? Can the SNP sign
en masse too ??
Happy days !
Posted by: iain morrison, nairn on 12:56am Sun 10 Feb 08
"The senior MSPs were told to read out the scripts to journalists in an attempt to convey loyalty to her." Is this not asking them to act beyond their capabilities?
"The senior MSPs were told to read out the scripts to journalists in an attempt to convey loyalty to her." Is this not asking them to act beyond their capabilities?
Posted by: MtnKat on 12:57am Sun 10 Feb 08
Why wasn't Wendy nominated for a Bafta?
God knows she's providing more comic relief than a barrel of monkeys.
Why wasn't Wendy nominated for a Bafta?
God knows she's providing more comic relief than a barrel of monkeys.
Posted by: Duns Scotus, The Borders on 12:57am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Drew S[/bold] wrote:
I never bother commenting on these articles normally, but isnt it about time Paul you started actually writing stories about news and what the the government was actually doing rather than innuendo and gossip?[/quote] Do you have [bold]ginger[/bold] hair? Your words sound familiar. Anyway, I suggest you have a look at the Timesonline website and read about £12,000 from the fake Scottish Industry Forum that was channelled to Ms Alexander's election fighting fund.
Look at an article on the Guido Fawkes website dated 25 January about this very topic.
Then let's hear your comments.
Drew S wrote:
I never bother commenting on these articles normally, but isnt it about time Paul you started actually writing stories about news and what the the government was actually doing rather than innuendo and gossip?
Do you have
ginger hair? Your words sound familiar. Anyway, I suggest you have a look at the Timesonline website and read about £12,000 from the fake Scottish Industry Forum that was channelled to Ms Alexander's election fighting fund.
Look at an article on the Guido Fawkes website dated 25 January about this very topic.
Then let's hear your comments.
Posted by: Tom McAlister on 12:58am Sun 10 Feb 08
Dearie me. Ra next meeting of ra 'shadow cabinet' will be held secretly in ra broom closet under ra stairs in utter darkness next tae ra 'leckie' meter.
Tickets fer ra venue are available at:
c/o Hutchie's office, ra Herald.
Dearie me. Ra next meeting of ra 'shadow cabinet' will be held secretly in ra broom closet under ra stairs in utter darkness next tae ra 'leckie' meter.
Tickets fer ra venue are available at:
c/o Hutchie's office, ra Herald.
Posted by: Katty, Bannockburn on 12:59am Sun 10 Feb 08
I will put money on it that several labour MSPs will call this in to Paul Hutcheon and I'd put a side bet on that the first on the 'phone will be Jingle Jangle Geordie.
He will probably look to get in on this bet.
I will put money on it that several labour MSPs will call this in to Paul Hutcheon and I'd put a side bet on that the first on the 'phone will be Jingle Jangle Geordie.
He will probably look to get in on this bet.
Posted by: Celtic Lion, Roar on 1:00am Sun 10 Feb 08
I've not been bothering to comment of late but this story ... they've seriously lost it. Do they not realise how ridiculous they sound? Was this dreamt up on a "bring your child to work day" exercise?
I've not been bothering to comment of late but this story ... they've seriously lost it. Do they not realise how ridiculous they sound? Was this dreamt up on a "bring your child to work day" exercise?
Posted by: Drew S, Glasgow on 1:01am Sun 10 Feb 08
An experiment with a convincing result. Nutters the lot of you.
An experiment with a convincing result. Nutters the lot of you.
Posted by: Neil, Aberdeenshire on 1:04am Sun 10 Feb 08
This is all too much; vulnerable 2-year-old Labour MSPs should not be so cruelly mocked!
A toast to the gentleman in velvet ;)
This is all too much; vulnerable 2-year-old Labour MSPs should not be so cruelly mocked!
A toast to the gentleman in velvet ;)
Posted by: Celtic Lion, Roar on 1:05am Sun 10 Feb 08
Me @ 1:00am
"of late" ... don't I sound posh? Not really, don't know where that came from.
Me @ 1:00am
"of late" ... don't I sound posh? Not really, don't know where that came from.
Posted by: Alex Porter, Madrid on 1:16am Sun 10 Feb 08
Just in case you miss this on the other thread:
From The Sunday Times, February 10, 2008
"Labour chief in new funding row" Tom Gordon
"WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate."
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Just in case you miss this on the other thread:
From The Sunday Times, February 10, 2008
"Labour chief in new funding row" Tom Gordon
"WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate."
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Posted by: Gregor Addison, Scotland on 1:19am Sun 10 Feb 08
I think the mole is Cathy Craigie. Why else would she push the wrong button?
I can't see why a shadow cabinet would be pleased with Wendy's performance unless it was seriously deluding itself. After four months of wrangling over the budget Labour failed to change it one iota or even get across what they stood for. Wendy so obviously reads from a script everytime she speaks, it hardly seems credible that she really cares for anything other than her own position within the party. She'll suffer relaunch after relaunch, spin upon spin, until Labour learn that there is more to politics than manipulation the media. In the meantime, hardcore Labour supporters will probably keep denying the reality of their situation by wrapping themselves in Labour myths about social justice. Shettleston man might not be so ready to deceive himself.
I think the mole is Cathy Craigie. Why else would she push the wrong button?
I can't see why a shadow cabinet would be pleased with Wendy's performance unless it was seriously deluding itself. After four months of wrangling over the budget Labour failed to change it one iota or even get across what they stood for. Wendy so obviously reads from a script everytime she speaks, it hardly seems credible that she really cares for anything other than her own position within the party. She'll suffer relaunch after relaunch, spin upon spin, until Labour learn that there is more to politics than manipulation the media. In the meantime, hardcore Labour supporters will probably keep denying the reality of their situation by wrapping themselves in Labour myths about social justice. Shettleston man might not be so ready to deceive himself.
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 1:21am Sun 10 Feb 08
hit by leak? should probably invest in some tena pads.
hit by leak? should probably invest in some tena pads.
Posted by: Cardinal Resin, The Fatty Can on 1:29am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote]A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat. All the shadow cabinet are united behind Wendy's leadership and they were pleased that the media had finally started to reflect that."[/quote]
After the successful adoption of gallons of Irish Coffee, Leary Biscuits, Space Cakes and Magic Mushrooms at Shadow Cabinet meetings they will now be made available at future press conferences.
A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat. All the shadow cabinet are united behind Wendy's leadership and they were pleased that the media had finally started to reflect that."
After the successful adoption of gallons of Irish Coffee, Leary Biscuits, Space Cakes and Magic Mushrooms at Shadow Cabinet meetings they will now be made available at future press conferences.
Posted by: Juan Kerr and his magic hand....., ETH EN.... PEE...oops i've had an accident.... on 1:32am Sun 10 Feb 08
"1. Suggestions that Labour should have done a deal with the SNP is ridiculous. JS John Swinney will NEVER do a deal with Labour because we are the only political force that can defeat the SNP."
It adds: "2. Success for JS would have been to bring forth a minority government's budget that had the support of all minority parties because of co-operation and negotiation. He not even sic attempted to engage the largest opposition party.
The script concludes: "3. Labour has made our priorities for the budget clear. We will speak to anyone at any time who wants to find a way of introducing social justice to the budget."
[bold]IS THIS A COMEDY SCRIPT BY ANY CHANCE? A NEW OFFERING FROM THE BBC . ABOUT A BUMBLING CABINET? LIKE THE STONEY BRIDGE COMMUNITY CUNCIL FOR THE DIGITAL AGE?[/bold]
SORRY FOR SHOUTING
ITS THE ONLY WAY I COULD STOP MYSELF PEEING MYSELF
"1. Suggestions that Labour should have done a deal with the SNP is ridiculous. JS John Swinney will NEVER do a deal with Labour because we are the only political force that can defeat the SNP."
It adds: "2. Success for JS would have been to bring forth a minority government's budget that had the support of all minority parties because of co-operation and negotiation. He not even sic attempted to engage the largest opposition party.
The script concludes: "3. Labour has made our priorities for the budget clear. We will speak to anyone at any time who wants to find a way of introducing social justice to the budget."
IS THIS A COMEDY SCRIPT BY ANY CHANCE? A NEW OFFERING FROM THE BBC . ABOUT A BUMBLING CABINET? LIKE THE STONEY BRIDGE COMMUNITY CUNCIL FOR THE DIGITAL AGE?
SORRY FOR SHOUTING
ITS THE ONLY WAY I COULD STOP MYSELF PEEING MYSELF
Posted by: Wullie, Aberdeen on 1:32am Sun 10 Feb 08
''Wendy hit by leak.''
Wendy should wear sanitary pads.
''Wendy hit by leak.''
Wendy should wear sanitary pads.
Posted by: Jimmy the Pie on 1:33am Sun 10 Feb 08
Good story in the Sunday Times. It just gets better and better.
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Good story in the Sunday Times. It just gets better and better.
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Posted by: Alex Porter, Madrid on 1:33am Sun 10 Feb 08
Social Justice agenda? The organisation was supposed to be trying to help Paisley but in fact it was going to her!
12, 000 smackers. FuÇ+ing fabulous eh? How many vulnerable 2 year old weans would that feed Wendy?
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Social Justice agenda? The organisation was supposed to be trying to help Paisley but in fact it was going to her!
12, 000 smackers. FuÇ+ing fabulous eh? How many vulnerable 2 year old weans would that feed Wendy?
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Posted by: juan Kerr, INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND® on 1:35am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Drew S[/bold] wrote:
An experiment with a convincing result. Nutters the lot of you.[/quote] And the most disolutional Unionist prize goes too............
I thought they only just ageed an end to the Holywood writers strike? Their back to work awfully sharp prearing this contrived excercise of fakey concern and support.
Drew S wrote:
An experiment with a convincing result. Nutters the lot of you.
And the most disolutional Unionist prize goes too............
I thought they only just ageed an end to the Holywood writers strike? Their back to work awfully sharp prearing this contrived excercise of fakey concern and support.
Posted by: Jimbo on 1:35am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Alex Porter[/bold] wrote:
Just in case you miss this on the other thread: From The Sunday Times, February 10, 2008 "Labour chief in new funding row" Tom Gordon "WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate." http://www.timesonli ne.co.uk/tol/news/po litics/article333474 0.ece [/quote] Hi Alex,
no doubt this too was unintentional and she'll stay to clear her name.
Alex Porter wrote:
Just in case you miss this on the other thread: From The Sunday Times, February 10, 2008 "Labour chief in new funding row" Tom Gordon "WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate." http://www.timesonli ne.co.uk/tol/news/po litics/article333474 0.ece
Hi Alex,
no doubt this too was unintentional and she'll stay to clear her name.
Posted by: Supershug, Eaglesham on 1:36am Sun 10 Feb 08
I always thought Wendy was new labour? So where did she learn tactics that wouldn't be out of place in an Eastern bloc country at the height of the cold war?
At least she gives us a laugh. When will we see her like again?
I always thought Wendy was new labour? So where did she learn tactics that wouldn't be out of place in an Eastern bloc country at the height of the cold war?
At least she gives us a laugh. When will we see her like again?
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 1:37am Sun 10 Feb 08
I'd like to see the BBC going about paisley letting them into this secret and see what they have to say.
I'd like to see the BBC going about paisley letting them into this secret and see what they have to say.
Posted by: Juankerr, ETHENPPEE! AND FWEEDOM on 1:39am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Alex Porter[/bold] wrote:
Social Justice agenda? The organisation was supposed to be trying to help Paisley but in fact it was going to her! 12, 000 smackers. FuÇ+ing fabulous eh? How many vulnerable 2 year old weans would that feed Wendy? http://www.timesonli ne.co.uk/tol/news/po litics/article333474 0.ece[/quote] Well I have been rattling on for a while now about her connections and rather cynical approach to ringfencing paisley with out of town malls.
"WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate. "
OH DEAR OH DEAR WENDY!
WHATS THAT BRITNEY SPEARS SONG AGAIN.......OOOPS I DID IT AGAIN?
Alex Porter wrote:
Social Justice agenda? The organisation was supposed to be trying to help Paisley but in fact it was going to her! 12, 000 smackers. FuÇ+ing fabulous eh? How many vulnerable 2 year old weans would that feed Wendy? http://www.timesonli ne.co.uk/tol/news/po litics/article333474 0.ece
Well I have been rattling on for a while now about her connections and rather cynical approach to ringfencing paisley with out of town malls.
"WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate. "
OH DEAR OH DEAR WENDY!
WHATS THAT BRITNEY SPEARS SONG AGAIN.......OOOPS I DID IT AGAIN?
Posted by: Alex Porter, Madrid on 1:42am Sun 10 Feb 08
Lol Jimbo, problem is that this time I'm not sure it can be restricted to the Selectoral Omission in London. This may well be straight forward fraud and go straight to the police.
Lol Jimbo, problem is that this time I'm not sure it can be restricted to the Selectoral Omission in London. This may well be straight forward fraud and go straight to the police.
Posted by: richard, West Lothian on 1:48am Sun 10 Feb 08
Labour in meltdown, [bold]were lovin it![/bold]
Labour in meltdown,
were lovin it! Posted by: Alex Porter, Madrid on 1:50am Sun 10 Feb 08
Hey Juankerr,
Isn't that Britney song: 'I'm not that innocent'?
Do you think It'll be a resignation tomorrow morning? Labour MSPs might just stay in bed, no?
Hey Juankerr,
Isn't that Britney song: 'I'm not that innocent'?
Do you think It'll be a resignation tomorrow morning? Labour MSPs might just stay in bed, no?
Posted by: David, Scotland on 1:55am Sun 10 Feb 08
[bold]After 8 years in power with the Lib/dems Wendy and her party discover Social Justice. They can relax however because the social democratic SNP have social justice as a top priority because they did notice how it had been ignored for 8 years.[/bold]
After 8 years in power with the Lib/dems Wendy and her party discover Social Justice. They can relax however because the social democratic SNP have social justice as a top priority because they did notice how it had been ignored for 8 years. Posted by: Colin B, Bearsden on 2:03am Sun 10 Feb 08
Wendy Alexander, Charles Gordon and Dave Whitton broke the Law -and we can keep saying that for ever.
The question is more alarming- why is the Fiscal, Crown Office and Lothian and Borders police in Unison and LAbour's pocket?
Wendy Alexander, Charles Gordon and Dave Whitton broke the Law -and we can keep saying that for ever.
The question is more alarming- why is the Fiscal, Crown Office and Lothian and Borders police in Unison and LAbour's pocket?
Posted by: Scunnert, Travelling in Nihlon on 2:04am Sun 10 Feb 08
Sorry to disappoint all you posters out there, but Wendy isn't real. She is in fact a character from a play by Samuel Beckett called "Endgame".
Sorry to disappoint all you posters out there, but Wendy isn't real. She is in fact a character from a play by Samuel Beckett called "Endgame".
Posted by: bigG, falkirk on 2:04am Sun 10 Feb 08
No No Wendy. dinnae go! Scotland needs you and others like you to finally show what labour is really like....... pathetic in opposition even worse when they were in power Wendy has done the impossible......... Jack McConnell looks statesmanlike in comparison..... OKAY OKAY we can all exagerate.
No No Wendy. dinnae go! Scotland needs you and others like you to finally show what labour is really like....... pathetic in opposition even worse when they were in power Wendy has done the impossible......... Jack McConnell looks statesmanlike in comparison..... OKAY OKAY we can all exagerate.
Posted by: Juan Kerr, ETH EN.... PEE...oops i've made a puddle........ on 2:11am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Alex Porter[/bold] wrote:
Hey Juankerr, Isn't that Britney song: 'I'm not that innocent'? Do you think It'll be a resignation tomorrow morning? Labour MSPs might just stay in bed, no?[/quote] And She Aint!
The whole of Scottish Labour should be hanging their heads in shame. Allowing this , pseudo human, to control their destiny. Acting like lemmings to a cliff.
All they show is that the curent encumbents in office do not have the spine to stand up for what Scotland needs. Their dreams of political superstardom matter much more.
Meanwhilke Scotland's proud name gets dragged through one fiasco to another.
The hyped up and placed argument over trump, Wendy Alexanders bummbling from one disaster to another. The contrived SEPAGATE, brought to us by Wnedy and Co via another donee and professional quango director of their choice. Bringing in anyone who's nearby to deflect blame. And even going as far and as low as to use 2 year old children as a political human shield.
She cannot be human. To be human , you require humanity. She is clearly lacking. She is best fitted to a backroom position somewhere. Prefferably somewhere she does not have to interact with other people. IT is a good choice. The thrum of the servers could dampen down her squeely voice.
LABOUR SHAME!
unfortunately you'll never feel the sensation as their are no spines left in the Labour Party for the emotion to travel through.
Alex Porter wrote:
Hey Juankerr, Isn't that Britney song: 'I'm not that innocent'? Do you think It'll be a resignation tomorrow morning? Labour MSPs might just stay in bed, no?
And She Aint!
The whole of Scottish Labour should be hanging their heads in shame. Allowing this , pseudo human, to control their destiny. Acting like lemmings to a cliff.
All they show is that the curent encumbents in office do not have the spine to stand up for what Scotland needs. Their dreams of political superstardom matter much more.
Meanwhilke Scotland's proud name gets dragged through one fiasco to another.
The hyped up and placed argument over trump, Wendy Alexanders bummbling from one disaster to another. The contrived SEPAGATE, brought to us by Wnedy and Co via another donee and professional quango director of their choice. Bringing in anyone who's nearby to deflect blame. And even going as far and as low as to use 2 year old children as a political human shield.
She cannot be human. To be human , you require humanity. She is clearly lacking. She is best fitted to a backroom position somewhere. Prefferably somewhere she does not have to interact with other people. IT is a good choice. The thrum of the servers could dampen down her squeely voice.
LABOUR SHAME!
unfortunately you'll never feel the sensation as their are no spines left in the Labour Party for the emotion to travel through.
Posted by: Alex Porter, Madrid on 2:17am Sun 10 Feb 08
And Computers For Labour went unreported in The Herald. More front organisations for channeling money as well as illegal donations.
If anyone had any doubts about her motivations or if she comitted 'intentional wrong-doings' then this should lay those doubts to rest. You just can't get it wrong so many times.
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
And Computers For Labour went unreported in The Herald. More front organisations for channeling money as well as illegal donations.
If anyone had any doubts about her motivations or if she comitted 'intentional wrong-doings' then this should lay those doubts to rest. You just can't get it wrong so many times.
http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Posted by: Edward, Edinburgh on 2:39am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]megz[/bold] wrote:
I\'d like to see the BBC going about paisley letting them into this secret and see what they have to say.[/quote] It wil be interesting to see what the BBC's Politics Show comes out with today. No doubt it will ignore that Brown is taking over Whitewash Wendy's commission , now 'working party'. and will probably innore the new scandal about the £ 12000 that Whitewash Endy conned out of businessmen, but will probably quote some Labour MSP's about them 'backing' Wendy - straight from there prepared scripts
megz wrote:
I\'d like to see the BBC going about paisley letting them into this secret and see what they have to say.
It wil be interesting to see what the BBC's Politics Show comes out with today. No doubt it will ignore that Brown is taking over Whitewash Wendy's commission , now 'working party'. and will probably innore the new scandal about the £ 12000 that Whitewash Endy conned out of businessmen, but will probably quote some Labour MSP's about them 'backing' Wendy - straight from there prepared scripts
Posted by: gordon Brown ate my hamster, Australia on 2:44am Sun 10 Feb 08
A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat. All the shadow cabinet are united behind Wendy's leadership and they were pleased that the media had finally started to reflect that."
Looks like we've found our mole. She is obviously extracting large amounts of urine.
A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat. All the shadow cabinet are united behind Wendy's leadership and they were pleased that the media had finally started to reflect that."
Looks like we've found our mole. She is obviously extracting large amounts of urine.
Posted by: doonhamer on 2:47am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote]WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate.
The development put her under renewed pressure just days after the commission had ruled that it was not in the public interest to report her to police over a £950 illegal donation from Paul Green, a Jersey-based businessman, to her 2007 campaign for the party leadership.
Businessmen, including a Scottish Conservative party fundraiser, claim they were misled into contributing to her office in the run-up to the 2003 election to the Scottish parliament.
They attended two dinners organised by the nominally independent Scottish Industry Forum (SIF), held to promote the economic renewal of Renfrewshire, unaware that the money raised would effectively be used to help Alexander to be re-elected as MSP for Paisley North.
Yesterday Alex Neil, a Scottish National party MSP, said he would refer the matter to the commission. Strathclyde police have been asked by a different complainant to investigate whether deception took place.
Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Commons committee on standards in public life, said that if the allegations were true she should consider resigning. “It is fairly fraudulent to invite people as a paying guest to discuss one subject, when the real purpose is to collect money for a political party,” he said.
Yesterday Labour gave conflicting accounts of the nature of the SIF. Lord Foulkes, a Labour peer, said that the forum was “never billed as politically neutral”. A Labour spokesman said the forum was separate from the party.[/quote]
WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate.
The development put her under renewed pressure just days after the commission had ruled that it was not in the public interest to report her to police over a £950 illegal donation from Paul Green, a Jersey-based businessman, to her 2007 campaign for the party leadership.
Businessmen, including a Scottish Conservative party fundraiser, claim they were misled into contributing to her office in the run-up to the 2003 election to the Scottish parliament.
They attended two dinners organised by the nominally independent Scottish Industry Forum (SIF), held to promote the economic renewal of Renfrewshire, unaware that the money raised would effectively be used to help Alexander to be re-elected as MSP for Paisley North.
Yesterday Alex Neil, a Scottish National party MSP, said he would refer the matter to the commission. Strathclyde police have been asked by a different complainant to investigate whether deception took place.
Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Commons committee on standards in public life, said that if the allegations were true she should consider resigning. “It is fairly fraudulent to invite people as a paying guest to discuss one subject, when the real purpose is to collect money for a political party,” he said.
Yesterday Labour gave conflicting accounts of the nature of the SIF. Lord Foulkes, a Labour peer, said that the forum was “never billed as politically neutral”. A Labour spokesman said the forum was separate from the party.
Posted by: doonhamer on 2:51am Sun 10 Feb 08
I think that Lord Foulkes has lost his notes again.
I think that Lord Foulkes has lost his notes again.
Posted by: Matt on 3:10am Sun 10 Feb 08
Good grief. When it looked like it could get no better, err, I mean worse, THIS SIF thing comes up.
Wendy must have known about this, though. So what is she playing at? Clinging on to a bit of the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, as the cold waters of political oblivion slowly suck the life out of her career?
Sad.
Resign now, Wendy. You have suffered enough you poor thing.
Good grief. When it looked like it could get no better, err, I mean worse, THIS SIF thing comes up.
Wendy must have known about this, though. So what is she playing at? Clinging on to a bit of the wreckage of the RMS Titanic, as the cold waters of political oblivion slowly suck the life out of her career?
Sad.
Resign now, Wendy. You have suffered enough you poor thing.
Posted by: Juan Kerr on 3:14am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]gordon Brown ate my hamster[/bold] wrote:
A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat. All the shadow cabinet are united behind Wendy's leadership and they were pleased that the media had finally started to reflect that." Looks like we've found our mole. She is obviously extracting large amounts of urine.[/quote] Just highlilghts the comlicetness and the fact that not one can in future be elected and trusted to serve with honour.
It's blind loyalty like that which allowed burma to operate sucessfully for years. Even their getting free and fair elections before us. And probably less rigging than Her brother Douglas's efforts.
gordon Brown ate my hamster wrote:
A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat. All the shadow cabinet are united behind Wendy's leadership and they were pleased that the media had finally started to reflect that." Looks like we've found our mole. She is obviously extracting large amounts of urine.
Just highlilghts the comlicetness and the fact that not one can in future be elected and trusted to serve with honour.
It's blind loyalty like that which allowed burma to operate sucessfully for years. Even their getting free and fair elections before us. And probably less rigging than Her brother Douglas's efforts.
Posted by: Juan Kerr, INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND® on 3:18am Sun 10 Feb 08
complicetness
Posted by: Charles McGrory, Glasgow on 3:22am Sun 10 Feb 08
Someone should tell Wendy
That it is clear that she has become The Story - when that happened to Charlie Whelan and even Alistair Campbell - they had to go.
To use a phrase - It's time, Wendy
Not to say that others who helped create this unholy disaster will not follow you.
Someone should tell Wendy
That it is clear that she has become The Story - when that happened to Charlie Whelan and even Alistair Campbell - they had to go.
To use a phrase - It's time, Wendy
Not to say that others who helped create this unholy disaster will not follow you.
Posted by: Dr Watson, On a park bench with a copy of today's Greenock Telegraph on 3:47am Sun 10 Feb 08
Edward Cunningham CBE - Chair of 'independent' Scottish Industry Forum.
He was Director, Industry and Enterprise Development with the Scottish Development Agency. Former Chairman of the Glasgow City Council-owned Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. Plus the usual gong and trio of letters.
Surely not the type to try and 'bash the Nats' by funneling cash into Labour campaigns. Not at all. No. No chance whatsoever. Unthinkable.
Edward Cunningham CBE - Chair of 'independent' Scottish Industry Forum.
He was Director, Industry and Enterprise Development with the Scottish Development Agency. Former Chairman of the Glasgow City Council-owned Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. Plus the usual gong and trio of letters.
Surely not the type to try and 'bash the Nats' by funneling cash into Labour campaigns. Not at all. No. No chance whatsoever. Unthinkable.
Posted by: Dr Watson, On a park bench with a copy of today's Greenock Telegraph on 3:54am Sun 10 Feb 08
My assistant, Mr Holmes, also bring this to my attention:
[quote]"Addressing an audience of industrialists today in Glasgow, Scottish Secretary [bold]Helen Liddell[/bold] revealed that preparation was underway for the "five tests" which would subject the UK's economy to the most rigorous analysis ever seen.
Speaking at a meeting of the [bold]Scottish Industry Forum[/bold], Helen Liddell said..."[/quote]
found at:
http://www.scotland
office.gov.uk/
our-communications/
release.php?id=3353
My assistant, Mr Holmes, also bring this to my attention:
"Addressing an audience of industrialists today in Glasgow, Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell revealed that preparation was underway for the "five tests" which would subject the UK's economy to the most rigorous analysis ever seen.
Speaking at a meeting of the Scottish Industry Forum, Helen Liddell said..."
found at:
http://www.scotland
office.gov.uk/
our-communications/
release.php?id=3353
Posted by: Dr Watson, On a park bench with a copy of today's Greenock Telegraph on 4:00am Sun 10 Feb 08
Despite his opium habit, Holmes is a diligent worker. He also found this:
[quote]...the Parliamentary Labour Party announced some good news to a [bold]Scottish Industry Forum[/bold] meeting--"In a clear attempt to convince voters and money markets that he means business"--it was announced by [bold]George Robertson[/bold] that Labour would be sticking to the Conservative's public spending limits for the next two years.[/quote]
which Holmes found at:
http://www.variant.
randomstate.org/
3texts/scum.html
Despite his opium habit, Holmes is a diligent worker. He also found this:
...the Parliamentary Labour Party announced some good news to a Scottish Industry Forum meeting--"In a clear attempt to convince voters and money markets that he means business"--it was announced by George Robertson that Labour would be sticking to the Conservative's public spending limits for the next two years.
which Holmes found at:
http://www.variant.
randomstate.org/
3texts/scum.html
Posted by: wardog, Buckie on 4:14am Sun 10 Feb 08
dear oh dear....the ascenet continues.... when are the real socialiss ( are there any left?) going to take over this train crash?
dear oh dear....the ascenet continues.... when are the real socialiss ( are there any left?) going to take over this train crash?
Posted by: Donald Anderson, glasgow on 4:24am Sun 10 Feb 08
This is not rumour. Not innuendo. The Sun published the first Jackie Baillie script for the numpties and even the Daily Record refused to swallow it.
Labour was too thick to vote for the budget. Instead, they had to show themselves up again by abstaining and choosing the worst possible tactical option. Ignorance is bliss.
Wendy of the "great intellect". Petit bourgeois numpty And SNP hater with nothing to offer, more like.
This is not rumour. Not innuendo. The Sun published the first Jackie Baillie script for the numpties and even the Daily Record refused to swallow it.
Labour was too thick to vote for the budget. Instead, they had to show themselves up again by abstaining and choosing the worst possible tactical option. Ignorance is bliss.
Wendy of the "great intellect". Petit bourgeois numpty And SNP hater with nothing to offer, more like.
Posted by: Donald Anderson, glasgow on 4:24am Sun 10 Feb 08
This is not rumour. Not innuendo. The Sun published the first Jackie Baillie script for the numpties and even the Daily Record refused to swallow it.
Labour was too thick to vote for the budget. Instead, they had to show themselves up again by abstaining and choosing the worst possible tactical option. Ignorance is bliss.
Wendy of the "great intellect". Petit bourgeois numpty And SNP hater with nothing to offer, more like.
This is not rumour. Not innuendo. The Sun published the first Jackie Baillie script for the numpties and even the Daily Record refused to swallow it.
Labour was too thick to vote for the budget. Instead, they had to show themselves up again by abstaining and choosing the worst possible tactical option. Ignorance is bliss.
Wendy of the "great intellect". Petit bourgeois numpty And SNP hater with nothing to offer, more like.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 5:22am Sun 10 Feb 08
MtnKat[quote]Why wasn't Wendy nominated for a Bafta? God knows she's providing more comic relief than a barrel of monkeys.[/quote]I do not think there is a category for circus clowns.[quote]A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat.[/quote]"Upbeat"?!!
What will they do if one of their colleagues gets hit by a bus - arrange a buffet, dance, and tombola?
MtnKat
Why wasn't Wendy nominated for a Bafta? God knows she's providing more comic relief than a barrel of monkeys.
I do not think there is a category for circus clowns.
A Labour spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaks, but it is true to say that the mood at the shadow cabinet was upbeat.
"Upbeat"?!!
What will they do if one of their colleagues gets hit by a bus - arrange a buffet, dance, and tombola?
Posted by: redc;liffe62, brisbane on hols, obama 1 wendy nil on 7:06am Sun 10 Feb 08
whilst it is unlikely a tory fundraiser would knowingly pay money into wendy's coffers, we already know that she will circumvent funds to her by any means necessary. in an opaque way, to use nicol's word.
if the industry forum was adverised as politically neutral then there is a case, if it is only a perception, and wendy would never have actually said what the money was to be used for, never seems to have done so before, then the perception and implication thereof is not a crime. underhanded yes, devious yes, but not a crime.
this is less of an issue than the 950 where clearly subterfuge was carried out.
my hope remains that a journalist will directly ask wendy if her computer had been handed over to the electoral commission at any time to prove her version of events, as emails can be faked in two minutes with the agreement of the other party.
whilst it is unlikely a tory fundraiser would knowingly pay money into wendy's coffers, we already know that she will circumvent funds to her by any means necessary. in an opaque way, to use nicol's word.
if the industry forum was adverised as politically neutral then there is a case, if it is only a perception, and wendy would never have actually said what the money was to be used for, never seems to have done so before, then the perception and implication thereof is not a crime. underhanded yes, devious yes, but not a crime.
this is less of an issue than the 950 where clearly subterfuge was carried out.
my hope remains that a journalist will directly ask wendy if her computer had been handed over to the electoral commission at any time to prove her version of events, as emails can be faked in two minutes with the agreement of the other party.
Posted by: robert, Glasgow on 8:33am Sun 10 Feb 08
Even the sunday mail is havin a dig at the mooth fae the sooth.
Dead ducks dont quack,
Wendy should be advised of this.
Even the sunday mail is havin a dig at the mooth fae the sooth.
Dead ducks dont quack,
Wendy should be advised of this.
Posted by: Joe on 9:33am Sun 10 Feb 08
"I never bother commenting on these articles normally, but isnt it about time Paul you started actually writing stories about news and what the the government was actually doing rather than innuendo and gossip?"
don't hold your breath in wanting a decent political coverage. Scottish media are becoming even worse.
2 years ago they were going on and on about SNP facing extinction, now it's Labour turn.
If instead of following just their agenda, Scot media would follow the news, it would be a bit better
"I never bother commenting on these articles normally, but isnt it about time Paul you started actually writing stories about news and what the the government was actually doing rather than innuendo and gossip?"
don't hold your breath in wanting a decent political coverage. Scottish media are becoming even worse.
2 years ago they were going on and on about SNP facing extinction, now it's Labour turn.
If instead of following just their agenda, Scot media would follow the news, it would be a bit better
Posted by: An t-Amadan, Alba on 10:05am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote]"3. Labour has made our priorities for the budget clear. We will speak to anyone at any time who wants to find a way of introducing social justice to the budget."[/quote]
If they want to introduce social justice to Scotland, that implies that it is not there already. If not, why not? Who was in power up till last year and so obviously failed to introdiuce it? Anyone with the brain even of an amoeba would not have incriminated their own party with this devastating admission.
"3. Labour has made our priorities for the budget clear. We will speak to anyone at any time who wants to find a way of introducing social justice to the budget."
If they want to introduce social justice to Scotland, that implies that it is not there already. If not, why not? Who was in power up till last year and so obviously failed to introdiuce it? Anyone with the brain even of an amoeba would not have incriminated their own party with this devastating admission.
Posted by: Wassissname, Thingummyjig on 10:07am Sun 10 Feb 08
"Wendy Hit By Leak"......and not for the first time, Eh Puddles????
"Wendy Hit By Leak"......and not for the first time, Eh Puddles????
Posted by: An t-Amadan, Alba on 10:10am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]doonhamer[/bold] wrote:
I think that Lord Foulkes has lost his notes again.[/quote] They'll be with his marbles.
doonhamer wrote:
I think that Lord Foulkes has lost his notes again.
They'll be with his marbles.
Posted by: daveymac, web on 10:11am Sun 10 Feb 08
Two words for Baron lord stupor Foukes:
"Land" and "Reform".
Two words for Baron lord stupor Foukes:
"Land" and "Reform".
Posted by: Juan Kerr and his magic hand....., ETH EN.... PEE...oops i've made a puddle........ on 10:19am Sun 10 Feb 08
It was a leak that lost her , her job in 2002
It was a leak that lost her , her job in 2002
Posted by: Politically-Incorrec
t Man, Glasgow on 10:33am Sun 10 Feb 08
I am sure that we are only seeing “the tip of the iceberg” when we see the constant drip of funding “irregularities” affecting all parties.
All the major parties are scrabbling around trying to balance the books and the reality is that they cannot generate enough funding from “card-carrying “party members to make the organisations financially viable. That is despite the trough within the respective parliaments being apparently bottomless when it comes to funding individual elected representatives.
All parties are desperate for cash and it is plainly obvious that they will do and say anything just to ensure they get funds to keep their “businesses” viable.
This is not an issue of how we are governed but simply one of how specific groups of individuals sustain the organisations that are used to keep them in their jobs. If these people had overwhelming public support there would be no funding issues at all as the parties would be financially viable; that fact that this is not the case shows that the major parties (Labour in particular) have lost contact with the people they purport to represent.
The worst thing that could happen is that these dinosaurs are given public money to sustain the party structures.
I am sure that we are only seeing “the tip of the iceberg” when we see the constant drip of funding “irregularities” affecting all parties.
All the major parties are scrabbling around trying to balance the books and the reality is that they cannot generate enough funding from “card-carrying “party members to make the organisations financially viable. That is despite the trough within the respective parliaments being apparently bottomless when it comes to funding individual elected representatives.
All parties are desperate for cash and it is plainly obvious that they will do and say anything just to ensure they get funds to keep their “businesses” viable.
This is not an issue of how we are governed but simply one of how specific groups of individuals sustain the organisations that are used to keep them in their jobs. If these people had overwhelming public support there would be no funding issues at all as the parties would be financially viable; that fact that this is not the case shows that the major parties (Labour in particular) have lost contact with the people they purport to represent.
The worst thing that could happen is that these dinosaurs are given public money to sustain the party structures.
Posted by: I'm no really here on 11:03am Sun 10 Feb 08
When I read this headline I thought that she'd been caught short again and had to step out of the car. Next we'll be reading that Labour MSP's will have to bow before her and kiss her ring - read into that what you will.
When I read this headline I thought that she'd been caught short again and had to step out of the car. Next we'll be reading that Labour MSP's will have to bow before her and kiss her ring - read into that what you will.
Posted by: Peter File on 11:08am Sun 10 Feb 08
A truly vom inducing mea culpa from the WENDY in the Sunday Mail.
http://tinyurl.com/3
9nwsc
A truly vom inducing mea culpa from the WENDY in the Sunday Mail.
http://tinyurl.com/3
9nwsc
Posted by: An t-Amadan, Alba on 11:23am Sun 10 Feb 08
I see over on the Hootsmon Wee Wendy has become a Buddhist, which, however does not prevent her from using some very Jackie Baillie type language!
I see over on the Hootsmon Wee Wendy has become a Buddhist, which, however does not prevent her from using some very Jackie Baillie type language!
Posted by: An t-Amadan, Alba on 11:25am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]I'm no really here[/bold] wrote:
When I read this headline I thought that she'd been caught short again and had to step out of the car. Next we'll be reading that Labour MSP's will have to bow before her and kiss her ring - read into that what you will.[/quote] [quote]bow before her and kiss her ring[/quote]
That would sound better translated into Latin!
I'm no really here wrote:
When I read this headline I thought that she'd been caught short again and had to step out of the car. Next we'll be reading that Labour MSP's will have to bow before her and kiss her ring - read into that what you will.
bow before her and kiss her ring
That would sound better translated into Latin!
Posted by: Jock Politicaljunkie, Glasgow on 11:37am Sun 10 Feb 08
And here is the latest Sports Result:-
SLAB Mole - 3, Wendy - 0.
A good solid victory there for the home side over the hapless Paisley Buddie.
And here is the latest Sports Result:-
SLAB Mole - 3, Wendy - 0.
A good solid victory there for the home side over the hapless Paisley Buddie.
Posted by: Glen Gillespie, Denmark on 11:37am Sun 10 Feb 08
In an articel in the english press a couple of weeks ago a labour mp who did not mind being named (for once) was asked to contemplet life for labour when they go into opposition. His reply was " I don't want to be here when that happens. This party will explode and there will be pieces all over the place". What one is experiencing in Scotland is only the beginning.
In an articel in the english press a couple of weeks ago a labour mp who did not mind being named (for once) was asked to contemplet life for labour when they go into opposition. His reply was " I don't want to be here when that happens. This party will explode and there will be pieces all over the place". What one is experiencing in Scotland is only the beginning.
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 11:49am Sun 10 Feb 08
labour exploding would be interesting to watch though.
labour exploding would be interesting to watch though.
Posted by: Lowperdowg on 11:53am Sun 10 Feb 08
Peter File
For those of a sensitive disposition, look away now...
BY this time next week, I will have led Labour in the Scottish Parliament for just five months.
Perhaps the most important lesson I've learned in that time is to have the courage to admit when you've made a mistake.
Politicians are not infallible.
And any that think they are kid themselves. Mistakes do happen.
Every politician has a bad day at the office. And I can't pretend that in the last 10 weeks I've not had a few.
But the real test of leadership is to get through the tough times as well as the good.
Despite everything thrown at me in recent weeks, I feel stronger for the experience, no matter how difficult it has been at times.
Politics can be a blood sport.
Every politician has to accept that - I would never have entered politics without recognising it can be a brutal business.
It would have been easy to walk away when the donation issue first hit the headlines. But it would have been the wrong thing to do.
Other politicians in similar circumstances, in the face of constant media and political pressures, have given in. But I was not prepared to see a question mark against my reputation for honesty and integrity.
Mistakes were made in how my team dealt with one donation to my leadership campaign.
Our checks failed and although steps were taken to ensure we complied with the rules, more should have been done. I've been honest enough to admit that and taken full responsibility for that failure.
I apologised to my colleagues, my party and the Scottish people. I reiterated that apology last week. The buck stopped with me.
The central issue was whether I or my campaign for leadership intentionally or wilfully broke the law by wrongly accepting a s950 donation from a businessman who we did not realise was ineligible to donate. There was a breach - but it was because of a genuine mistake not the result of deliberate wrongdoing.
I am glad the Electoral Commission has recognised that, as well as the fact I personally took significant steps to comply with the rules.
I can't pretend I'm anything other than relieved their inquiry is over and that, after a lengthy investigation, they confirmed my honesty and integrity is not in question.
Of course, my political opponents still want to suggest otherwise. That's up to them to defend their own conduct and their motives for doing so. The independent watchdog judged we did not intentionally break the law.
That should be the end of the matter.
As the mother of two small children, it has been particularly hard to ensure they have not been affected by the fuss and the fact that mummy wasn't always there at bedtime.
My family, and my husband in particular, have been a tower of strength in the last few weeks. It can't have been easy for them either.
Politics can be a lonely business but throughout this bruising experience I always knew I could rely on them and close friends to see me through.
Now the Electoral Commission has reported, it's time to get back to work.
I am now even more determined to focus on the causes I came in to politics for, especially after witnessing the self-satisfied, back-slapping of Alex Salmond and his ministers.
It seems incredible that they could congratulate themselves so smugly for passing a budget that removes the safety net for Scotland's weakest groups.
I am angry at the SNP for introducing a budget - backed by the Tories - that will hit Scotland's most vulnerable people hard.
Families with disabled children, vulnerable two-year-olds, battered women and OAPs' concessionary travel - all will be hit.
There will be cuts in housing spending, hitting the regeneration of our poorest communities.
That is the real scandal and I make no apologies for taking the SNP to task for their arrogance and lack of compassion.
The past few weeks have made me more determined to do the right thing for those least able to defend themselves.
Like the homeless youngsters in Edinburgh who rely on the Rock Trust project which I recently visited.
Or families in Ferguslie, Paisley, fighting to save a scheme that provides a computer in family homes.
Or the community farm I am visiting tomorrow that is now under threat from cuts.
Or the pensioners I will meet on Tuesday who are stuck on ever lengthening waiting lists for their new central heating systems.
Scotland is not a better place leaving them all out in the cold.
All these Scots deserve to have their voice heard and it is time Alex Salmond accepted the error of his ways.
"It's hard to ensure my kids have not been affected..I wasn't always there at bedtime"
Peter File
For those of a sensitive disposition, look away now...
BY this time next week, I will have led Labour in the Scottish Parliament for just five months.
Perhaps the most important lesson I've learned in that time is to have the courage to admit when you've made a mistake.
Politicians are not infallible.
And any that think they are kid themselves. Mistakes do happen.
Every politician has a bad day at the office. And I can't pretend that in the last 10 weeks I've not had a few.
But the real test of leadership is to get through the tough times as well as the good.
Despite everything thrown at me in recent weeks, I feel stronger for the experience, no matter how difficult it has been at times.
Politics can be a blood sport.
Every politician has to accept that - I would never have entered politics without recognising it can be a brutal business.
It would have been easy to walk away when the donation issue first hit the headlines. But it would have been the wrong thing to do.
Other politicians in similar circumstances, in the face of constant media and political pressures, have given in. But I was not prepared to see a question mark against my reputation for honesty and integrity.
Mistakes were made in how my team dealt with one donation to my leadership campaign.
Our checks failed and although steps were taken to ensure we complied with the rules, more should have been done. I've been honest enough to admit that and taken full responsibility for that failure.
I apologised to my colleagues, my party and the Scottish people. I reiterated that apology last week. The buck stopped with me.
The central issue was whether I or my campaign for leadership intentionally or wilfully broke the law by wrongly accepting a s950 donation from a businessman who we did not realise was ineligible to donate. There was a breach - but it was because of a genuine mistake not the result of deliberate wrongdoing.
I am glad the Electoral Commission has recognised that, as well as the fact I personally took significant steps to comply with the rules.
I can't pretend I'm anything other than relieved their inquiry is over and that, after a lengthy investigation, they confirmed my honesty and integrity is not in question.
Of course, my political opponents still want to suggest otherwise. That's up to them to defend their own conduct and their motives for doing so. The independent watchdog judged we did not intentionally break the law.
That should be the end of the matter.
As the mother of two small children, it has been particularly hard to ensure they have not been affected by the fuss and the fact that mummy wasn't always there at bedtime.
My family, and my husband in particular, have been a tower of strength in the last few weeks. It can't have been easy for them either.
Politics can be a lonely business but throughout this bruising experience I always knew I could rely on them and close friends to see me through.
Now the Electoral Commission has reported, it's time to get back to work.
I am now even more determined to focus on the causes I came in to politics for, especially after witnessing the self-satisfied, back-slapping of Alex Salmond and his ministers.
It seems incredible that they could congratulate themselves so smugly for passing a budget that removes the safety net for Scotland's weakest groups.
I am angry at the SNP for introducing a budget - backed by the Tories - that will hit Scotland's most vulnerable people hard.
Families with disabled children, vulnerable two-year-olds, battered women and OAPs' concessionary travel - all will be hit.
There will be cuts in housing spending, hitting the regeneration of our poorest communities.
That is the real scandal and I make no apologies for taking the SNP to task for their arrogance and lack of compassion.
The past few weeks have made me more determined to do the right thing for those least able to defend themselves.
Like the homeless youngsters in Edinburgh who rely on the Rock Trust project which I recently visited.
Or families in Ferguslie, Paisley, fighting to save a scheme that provides a computer in family homes.
Or the community farm I am visiting tomorrow that is now under threat from cuts.
Or the pensioners I will meet on Tuesday who are stuck on ever lengthening waiting lists for their new central heating systems.
Scotland is not a better place leaving them all out in the cold.
All these Scots deserve to have their voice heard and it is time Alex Salmond accepted the error of his ways.
"It's hard to ensure my kids have not been affected..I wasn't always there at bedtime"
Posted by: Lowperdowg on 11:55am Sun 10 Feb 08
Now, Wendy, if you'll just step aside as I think that Jackie Baillie wants to sing...
Now, Wendy, if you'll just step aside as I think that Jackie Baillie wants to sing...
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 11:57am Sun 10 Feb 08
[italic]Or families in Ferguslie, Paisley, fighting to save a scheme that provides a computer in family homes.[/italic]
erm what did the residents have to say about you dearie, was it that they are sick of your lipservice? That you only mention them when it is to further your own self-interest. It would seem they are correct.
Or families in Ferguslie, Paisley, fighting to save a scheme that provides a computer in family homes.
erm what did the residents have to say about you dearie, was it that they are sick of your lipservice? That you only mention them when it is to further your own self-interest. It would seem they are correct.
Posted by: Vivas, Embra on 11:59am Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]megz[/bold] wrote:
labour exploding would be interesting to watch though. [/quote] Christ, if Baillie goes up then there will be a mild wide and foot deep area of lard around the Scottish parliament.
At least we won't be splattered by brain material though.
megz wrote:
labour exploding would be interesting to watch though.
Christ, if Baillie goes up then there will be a mild wide and foot deep area of lard around the Scottish parliament.
At least we won't be splattered by brain material though.
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 12:02pm Sun 10 Feb 08
[italic]At least we won't be splattered by brain material though.[/italic]
lmao
At least we won't be splattered by brain material though.
lmao
Posted by: Clarinda on 12:03pm Sun 10 Feb 08
Competition frequently raises standards - so without any political opposition encapsulating integrity,intellectu
al debate or moral credibility there may be some fears for the continued advance of the SNP and Independence. I accept that 'good' can be indistinguishable from 'bad' unless 'bad' is present. Scottish Labour, however, has provided an ample comparison under the undignified ranting and alleged behaviours of Wendy Alexander and is now a laughing stock of no value to Scotland. I sincerely hope, and expect, the SNP to rise above this contemptible crew of Labour losers and their LibDem 'bidie ins' as the SNP will need to become their own political and moral pace-setters.
Competition frequently raises standards - so without any political opposition encapsulating integrity,intellectu
al debate or moral credibility there may be some fears for the continued advance of the SNP and Independence. I accept that 'good' can be indistinguishable from 'bad' unless 'bad' is present. Scottish Labour, however, has provided an ample comparison under the undignified ranting and alleged behaviours of Wendy Alexander and is now a laughing stock of no value to Scotland. I sincerely hope, and expect, the SNP to rise above this contemptible crew of Labour losers and their LibDem 'bidie ins' as the SNP will need to become their own political and moral pace-setters.
Posted by: Stuart Black, Jebel Ali on 12:32pm Sun 10 Feb 08
Taxi for Alexander, low-loader for Baillie.
Taxi for Alexander, low-loader for Baillie.
Posted by: Glen Ross Gillepie, Denmark on 1:21pm Sun 10 Feb 08
Here is a link to a Scottish Sunday Express articel. Apparentley an ex journalist is applying for legal aid to take a private procecution against WA. If this is refused then a fighting fund will be opened to raise funds for a private procecution. Already next week he plans to raise the matter with The european ombudsmand and lodge an official complaint.
Mark Hirst a researcher in the Scottish parliament is referring the forces failure to investigate to the the police complaints commission after a complaint to The strathclyde police which he made in November has not been investigated.
Although i still do not expect to see charges brought at least this will show the scottish public once and for all how deep labour corruption in this country runs.
Link: http://www.express.c
o.uk/posts/view/3447
4/-I-will-have-Wendy
-charged-
Here is a link to a Scottish Sunday Express articel. Apparentley an ex journalist is applying for legal aid to take a private procecution against WA. If this is refused then a fighting fund will be opened to raise funds for a private procecution. Already next week he plans to raise the matter with The european ombudsmand and lodge an official complaint.
Mark Hirst a researcher in the Scottish parliament is referring the forces failure to investigate to the the police complaints commission after a complaint to The strathclyde police which he made in November has not been investigated.
Although i still do not expect to see charges brought at least this will show the scottish public once and for all how deep labour corruption in this country runs.
Link: http://www.express.c
o.uk/posts/view/3447
4/-I-will-have-Wendy
-charged-
Posted by: Glen Ross Gillepie, Denmark on 1:23pm Sun 10 Feb 08
Here is a link to a Scottish Sunday Express articel. Apparentley an ex journalist is applying for legal aid to take a private procecution against WA. If this is refused then a fighting fund will be opened to raise funds for a private procecution. Already next week he plans to raise the matter with The european ombudsmand and lodge an official complaint.
Mark Hirst a researcher in the Scottish parliament is referring the forces failure to investigate to the the police complaints commission after a complaint to The strathclyde police which he made in November has not been investigated.
Although i still do not expect to see charges brought at least this will show the scottish public once and for all how deep labour corruption in this country runs.
Link: http://www.express.c
o.uk/posts/view/3447
4/-I-will-have-Wendy
-charged-
Here is a link to a Scottish Sunday Express articel. Apparentley an ex journalist is applying for legal aid to take a private procecution against WA. If this is refused then a fighting fund will be opened to raise funds for a private procecution. Already next week he plans to raise the matter with The european ombudsmand and lodge an official complaint.
Mark Hirst a researcher in the Scottish parliament is referring the forces failure to investigate to the the police complaints commission after a complaint to The strathclyde police which he made in November has not been investigated.
Although i still do not expect to see charges brought at least this will show the scottish public once and for all how deep labour corruption in this country runs.
Link: http://www.express.c
o.uk/posts/view/3447
4/-I-will-have-Wendy
-charged-
Posted by: Joe McT, BlairsFantasyIsland on 1:40pm Sun 10 Feb 08
It's simply fantastic of New Labour to make up all this "good stuff" for us.
Keep up the lies, deceit,self delusion and spin.......and then later wonder WHY your former Voters have deserted in droves?
It's simply fantastic of New Labour to make up all this "good stuff" for us.
Keep up the lies, deceit,self delusion and spin.......and then later wonder WHY your former Voters have deserted in droves?
Posted by: Vivas, Embra on 1:47pm Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Joe McT[/bold] wrote:
It\\\'s simply fantastic of New Labour to make up all this \\\"good stuff\\\" for us.
Keep up the lies, deceit,self delusion and spin.......and then later wonder WHY your former Voters have deserted in droves?[/quote] I'm coming around to the idea that Wendy is an SNP "sleeper" and only now has the SNP hierarchy pressed the button to destroy the SLP from within. It all makes perfect sense when viewed from that perspective :-))
Joe McT wrote:
It's simply fantastic of New Labour to make up all this \\\"good stuff\\\" for us.
Keep up the lies, deceit,self delusion and spin.......and then later wonder WHY your former Voters have deserted in droves?
I'm coming around to the idea that Wendy is an SNP "sleeper" and only now has the SNP hierarchy pressed the button to destroy the SLP from within. It all makes perfect sense when viewed from that perspective :-))
Posted by: Wallace, Perth on 1:56pm Sun 10 Feb 08
To paraphrase the late great Groucho Marx - "Wendy Alexander? I knew her before she had honesty and integrity!"
To paraphrase the late great Groucho Marx - "Wendy Alexander? I knew her before she had honesty and integrity!"
Posted by: Burd Tina on 2:02pm Sun 10 Feb 08
The prepared script gives a spurious reason why Labour didn't vote for the SNP budget - but it dosen't say why the numpties didn't have the courage to vote against it.
The prepared script gives a spurious reason why Labour didn't vote for the SNP budget - but it dosen't say why the numpties didn't have the courage to vote against it.
Posted by: talorthane on 2:06pm Sun 10 Feb 08
[quote][bold]Juan Kerr and his magic hand.....[/bold] wrote:
It was a leak that lost her , her job in 2002 [/quote] Hey Juan
I was expecting you to comment that the title should have been:
"Wendy has another leak"
Juan Kerr and his magic hand..... wrote:
It was a leak that lost her , her job in 2002
Hey Juan
I was expecting you to comment that the title should have been:
"Wendy has another leak"
Posted by: Juankerr, INDEPENDENT SCOTLAND® on 2:15pm Sun 10 Feb 08
http://tinyurl.com/2
646k5
[bold]Wendy has a new wikipedia entry![/bold]
:-)
http://tinyurl.com/2
646k5
Wendy has a new wikipedia entry!
:-)
Posted by: Saul Tyre, Germany on 2:18pm Sun 10 Feb 08
If Wendy Alexander uses her new spin-word again ([bold]VULNERABLE[/bold] ), I'm going to hit somebody. I know it's got a whole four syllables hen, but it doesn't make you sound any less thick, so don't overuse it. Especially when the youngsters became vulnerable under Labour rule.
If Wendy Alexander uses her new spin-word again (
VULNERABLE ), I'm going to hit somebody. I know it's got a whole four syllables hen, but it doesn't make you sound any less thick, so don't overuse it. Especially when the youngsters became vulnerable under Labour rule.
Posted by: Wallace, Perth on 2:25pm Sun 10 Feb 08
I notice one of the allegations Ms Alexander makes against the SNP budget, is that it will hit concessionary travel for OAP's. I heard nothing in the budget which would suggest that would happen. Can anyone enlighten me, or is this just another scare tactic, like the pre-budget £5000 extra tax an SNP win would mean?
I notice one of the allegations Ms Alexander makes against the SNP budget, is that it will hit concessionary travel for OAP's. I heard nothing in the budget which would suggest that would happen. Can anyone enlighten me, or is this just another scare tactic, like the pre-budget £5000 extra tax an SNP win would mean?
Posted by: Glen Ross Gillepie, Denmark on 2:32pm Sun 10 Feb 08
[bold]Unfortunetley we are all going to have to sit through this circus once again. Here is an article in the Times online the link follows at the end of this cut and paste:)[/bold] WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate.
The development put her under renewed pressure just days after the commission had ruled that it was not in the public interest to report her to police over a £950 illegal donation from Paul Green, a Jersey-based businessman, to her 2007 campaign for the party leadership.
Businessmen, including a Scottish Conservative party fundraiser, claim they were misled into contributing to her office in the run-up to the 2003 election to the Scottish parliament.
They attended two dinners organised by the nominally independent Scottish Industry Forum (SIF), held to promote the economic renewal of Renfrewshire, unaware that the money raised would effectively be used to help Alexander to be re-elected as MSP for Paisley North.
Yesterday Alex Neil, a Scottish National party MSP, said he would refer the matter to the commission. Strathclyde police have been asked by a different complainant to investigate whether deception took place.
Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Commons committee on standards in public life, said that if the allegations were true she should consider resigning. “It is fairly fraudulent to invite people as a paying guest to discuss one subject, when the real purpose is to collect money for a political party,” he said.
Yesterday Labour gave conflicting accounts of the nature of the SIF. Lord Foulkes, a Labour peer, said that the forum was “never billed as politically neutral”. A Labour spokesman said the forum was separate from the party.
Link: http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Unfortunetley we are all going to have to sit through this circus once again. Here is an article in the Times online the link follows at the end of this cut and paste:) WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate.
The development put her under renewed pressure just days after the commission had ruled that it was not in the public interest to report her to police over a £950 illegal donation from Paul Green, a Jersey-based businessman, to her 2007 campaign for the party leadership.
Businessmen, including a Scottish Conservative party fundraiser, claim they were misled into contributing to her office in the run-up to the 2003 election to the Scottish parliament.
They attended two dinners organised by the nominally independent Scottish Industry Forum (SIF), held to promote the economic renewal of Renfrewshire, unaware that the money raised would effectively be used to help Alexander to be re-elected as MSP for Paisley North.
Yesterday Alex Neil, a Scottish National party MSP, said he would refer the matter to the commission. Strathclyde police have been asked by a different complainant to investigate whether deception took place.
Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Commons committee on standards in public life, said that if the allegations were true she should consider resigning. “It is fairly fraudulent to invite people as a paying guest to discuss one subject, when the real purpose is to collect money for a political party,” he said.
Yesterday Labour gave conflicting accounts of the nature of the SIF. Lord Foulkes, a Labour peer, said that the forum was “never billed as politically neutral”. A Labour spokesman said the forum was separate from the party.
Link: http://www.timesonli
ne.co.uk/tol/news/po
litics/article333474
0.ece
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 2:41pm Sun 10 Feb 08
as this new scandle will no doubt unfold, will wendy go back into hiding? Where does she go anyway tuck herself into one of jackie's rolls of fat?
as this new scandle will no doubt unfold, will wendy go back into hiding? Where does she go anyway tuck herself into one of jackie's rolls of fat?
Posted by: Observer on 2:41pm Sun 10 Feb 08
God the woman just has no shame whatsoever, and now she is bleating on about her kids. Newsflash Wendy, most of us missed bedtime occasionally but in my case it wasn't due to dodging bullets fired at me for being dishonest and lacking integrity. And her pathetic sideswipe at Salmond gets on my nerves - as Saul Tyre says who presided over a Government who counted up how many vulnerable people there were, and then did hee haw about it. Labour.
God the woman just has no shame whatsoever, and now she is bleating on about her kids. Newsflash Wendy, most of us missed bedtime occasionally but in my case it wasn't due to dodging bullets fired at me for being dishonest and lacking integrity. And her pathetic sideswipe at Salmond gets on my nerves - as Saul Tyre says who presided over a Government who counted up how many vulnerable people there were, and then did hee haw about it. Labour.
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 2:42pm Sun 10 Feb 08
obviously i meant scandal there (must have got scandal and swindle misxed up) all the same when dealing with this dodgy lot!
obviously i meant scandal there (must have got scandal and swindle misxed up) all the same when dealing with this dodgy lot!
Posted by: Juan Kerr, ETH EN.... PEE...oops i\'ve made a puddle........ on 2:45pm Sun 10 Feb 08
http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Wendied
[bold]SAVE WENDIED WIKIPEDIA ARE TRYING TO DELETE THE WORD FROM EXISTENCE!
CLICK Discussion to SAVE WENDIEDbold]
http://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Wendied
SAVE WENDIED WIKIPEDIA ARE TRYING TO DELETE THE WORD FROM EXISTENCE!
CLICK Discussion to SAVE WENDIEDbold]
Posted by: haf s on 2:51pm Sun 10 Feb 08
FOR HEAVENS SAKE! WHY IS IT ONLY IN ENGLISH NEWSPAPERS?? IS THERE SOMETHING INTRINSICALLY WRONG WITH JOURNALISM IN SCOTLAND??
ANOTHER SCANDAL BREAKS!
Labour chief in new funding row
WENDY ALEXANDER, the Scottish Labour leader, is facing an investigation by the Electoral Commission into a claim that she channelled £12,000 through a Labour front organisation to fund her constituency office. The police have also been asked to investigate.
The development put her under renewed pressure just days after the commission had ruled that it was not in the public interest to report her to police over a £950 illegal donation from Paul Green, a Jersey-based businessman, to her 2007 campaign for the party leadership.
Businessmen, including a Scottish Conservative party fundraiser, claim they were misled into contributing to her office in the run-up to the 2003 election to the Scottish parliament.
They attended two dinners organised by the nominally independent Scottish Industry Forum (SIF), held to promote the economic renewal of Renfrewshire, unaware that the money raised would effectively be used to help Alexander to be re-elected as MSP for Paisley North.
Yesterday Alex Neil, a Scottish National party MSP, said he would refer the matter to the commission. Strathclyde police have been asked by a different complainant to investigate whether deception took place.
Sir Alistair Graham, former chairman of the Commons committee on standards in public life, said that if the allegations were true she should cons
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