Ever since Alexander’s disgraceful dodgy donations came to light she has been squirming (even as she resigns) about in a vain attempt to lay the blame at the feet of everyone else. Anyone remember Charlie Gordon? This ‘poor’ chap attempted to act as Alexander’s fall-guy on this and, being a Labour MSP, failed to even achieve this.
More recently we have had Douglas Alexander, her brother, and Tom Harrisattempting to smear the SNP with Wendy’s indiscretion. As if it was the SNP who forced her seek donations just shy of the disclosure level, seek and accept a donation from a tax exile, fail to seek advice from the standards clerk within an appropriate time frame, and ultimately fail to disclose donations until some 60 days after they were banked and some thirty days after the time limit for disclosing such donations.
What the Labour party seem to have failed to realise is that, if it is the duty of the opposition to hold government to account in not only the policies they pursue and the choices they make, but also in their general conduct, then it is also to be expected that the party of government (and others) must hold the opposition to account in the arguments they make in relation to ‘opposing’ government but also in relation to such conduct as may bring the parliament into disrepute.
If the SNP have done anything then it has been to ruthlessly pursue an opposition who, in her own admission, broke the law and parliamentary rules. To attempt to counter-smear the SNP and cry foul once they have effectively been found guilty by their peers and the fiscal (1) only goes to demonstrate the level to which Labour have fallen. Labour, arrogant to the last.
Maybe a leadership contest which is likely to some real competition for Labours top job in Scotland will revitalise the rather lack-luster policy, however, this post isn’t about the leadership contest and their is a far more interesting post here than I could attempt to match at the moment.
Anyway, unless there should be a momentous Wendy related event in the near future, I do solemnly swear to leave the puir wee lassie alone with the shattered remnants of her political career in her hands and no more refer to her or publish unflattering pictures.
Wendy’s career - RIP
(1) remember they decided it was not in the public interest to press charges, she wasn’t cleared of anything.
