Labour’s campaign strategy appeared to be in chaos as some senior party members urged Labour voters to vote tactically in England in a desperate attempt at clinging to power….
Labour’s campaign strategy appeared to be in chaos as some senior party members urged Labour voters to vote tactically in England in a desperate attempt at clinging to power.
Labour supporters in key seats were urged to vote with their heads and nor their hearts on Thursday as the party finally conceded that they cannot catch the Tories. Gordon Brown however appeared isolated and continued to insist that people vote Labour and not tactically.
Polls suggest that the Conservatives are on course to become the largest party in England which will be enough for them to form the next Westminster government, crucially though they look certain to fall short of an overall majority.
The call by senior Labour figures will fuel speculation that we are witnessing the last days of Gordon Brown’s leadership and that the race will shortly be on to replace him. Recent days have seen Alan Johnston and David Milliband sending out what some have interpreted as coded signals to the LibDems over Proportional Representation.
The news will be seen as vindication of the SNP who have consistently argued that a balanced parliament offers the best opportunity for them to argue Scotland’s case. With no overall majority then parties like the SNP and Plaid Cymru could well wield influence far beyond their numbers.
Senior Conservatives in Scotland have openly claimed that they see a vote for any Unionist party in Scotland as an endorsement of the Westminster system and equally a mandate for them to govern in Scotland – even if Scots reject the Conservatives.
With Labour almost certain to be searching for a new leader and with many old Scottish ministers sure to be following Gordon Brown out the door there are fears that the party will lack the necessary desire and focus needed in order to argue for Scotland.
This, say the SNP, means that the only realistic option available to those Scots who are anxious about London cuts and who wish a strong voice when the horse trading begins is to vote for Scotland’s national party.