Scotland's "pro-independence" politics blogs the day after the former CEO of the SNP is charged with robbing the party of a £600,000 indyref campaign fund:
— Wings Over Scotland (@WingsScotland) April 19, 2024
1x "Westminster bad!"
2x "Please give us money!"
1x "Bradford gangs and Thames Water!" 😳🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/LnS92YM8IV
I know from long experience that his fan club will defend Mr Campbell almost regardless of circumstance, but I trust they won't on this occasion, because leaving aside the unprovoked nature of the attack, it's also mind-bogglingly hypocritical, nonsensical and illogical. Let's start with the hypocritical: "please give us money!" Seriously, Stu? Would this be the same man who has solicited many hundreds of thousands of pounds from his readers, possibly even more than a million pounds over a ten year period, and including a five-figure sum only a few weeks ago? I certainly don't criticise him for that, because I know as well anyone that regular, lengthy writing requires funding to be sustainable, but would it be too much to request a touch of consistency from him here? Or is it fine when he does it, and somehow reprehensible when it's anybody else? (And would it be unkind of me to point out that a large proportion of what he's raised disappeared into the bottomless pit of his counterproductive vanity legal action against Kezia Dugdale? He also threatened legal action against me a few years ago - if he had proceeded with that stunt, would crowdfunded money have paid for it?)
Also hypocritical: the inverted commas around the words "pro-independence" when referring to Bella Caledonia, Wee Ginger Dug and Scot Goes Pop. I've had my disputes with Mike Small and Paul Kavanagh, but I don't think I would ever doubt their belief in independence, especially not Paul's. Whereas Mr Campbell has openly declared that he will vote Tory at the general election and would abstain in any independence referendum held in the foreseeable future. I know which blog warrants the inverted commas.
The nonsensical part is criticising me for a blogpost I wrote and published several hours before the news about Peter Murrell broke. Was I supposed to have premonitory knowledge of what was about to happen?
And the illogical part is lumping me in with Bella, John Robertson and WGD as if I'm some sort of SNP leadership loyalist blogger who is trying to hush up the news. As previously stated, when I heard about Murrell, I was at the AGM of the Alba North Lanarkshire LACU, where I was elected the LACU's Organiser. Is Mr Campbell similarly active in a non-SNP, pro-indy party? No I don't suppose he is.
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I never bother with WGD. Too happy clappy for my tastes. But it is also pretty illuminating that Little Stu Somerset now sneers about criticism of Westminster as "Westminster bad!", in the proud Unionist tradition of George Foulkes and Jackie Ballie.
ReplyDeleteI get that the wee fella is a committed Conservative and Unionist these days. But it's still surprising that any of his gullible fanboys can continue to go along with it when Little Stu Somerset seems to have forgotten that Westminster is in fact, bad.
The criticism is inferred. If you struggle to see that, then I guess it's no surprise that Toryboy still has hordes of supporters lining up to donate their firstborn's kidneys to the proud Conservative cause.
DeleteNah, it's implied
DeleteThe criticism is inferred. If you struggle to see that, then I guess it's no surprise that Toryboy still has hordes of supporters lining up to donate their firstborn's kidneys to the proud Conservative cause.
ReplyDeleteWell, Bath does seem to be quite illiterate and possibly "contempt"uous - I don't think we know any details of the charge itself. He should delete his tweet.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to get a new Pole to tell us what impact the Murrell story has had.
ReplyDeleteWould a new Bulgarian do?
DeleteMight I suggest a Swede?
DeleteThere's a presumption that Nicola Sturgeon will now fade away, that's a mistake, unlike Alex Salmond there is much affection for the former FM within the SNP members and party as a whole
ReplyDeleteNobody in the party wouldn't give Alex a light in a dark room, they know he's a public vote loser
I'm not sure Sturgeon is particularly a vote winner these days, either. But as some in Alba appear to be discovering to their dismay, Salmond's leadership style is every bit as heavy-handed, insular, bad-tempered and self-regarding as Sturgeon's was. Even a number of committed Salmond loyalists have had the scales fall from their eyes in recent months.
DeleteJames is right. The only way forward for the independence movement is for the SNP to have a leader totally unencumbered by the baggage of Salmond and Sturgeon.
The Team Salmond vs Team Sturgeon thing is essentially arguing over two political has-beens. It's the political equivalent of arguing endlessly about which flavour of expired milk we prefer.
We need freshness and vitality. Not Sturgeon, Salmond, or any of their surrogates.
"unlike Alex Salmond there is much affection for the former FM within the SNP members and party as a whole"
DeleteHow is that any different to how Alex Salmond was regarded in the SNP *before* he was prosecuted? Nicola Sturgeon isn't immune to negative publicity.
Yes . New leader, new start. Move on. Independence before personality.
DeleteAnd the time for that new start is after the election. Let Humza and his faction carry the can for losing so many MPs. The electorate is itching to punish the SNP for what they know Nicola's done. A new leader would barely register amidst this year's coming UK election campaign. The SNP's due a kicking first. The people must be heard.
DeleteThen we can rebuild and earn Scotland's trust again. Then and only then.
Anon 10:40 I wholeheartedly agree. Yousef needs to be ousted after an election. It allows a clean break, and prevents his supporters from muddying the waters.
DeleteLet him carry the can. Installing someone as competent as Forbes right now would be a disaster. Like you say, she wouldn’t get a look-in and it would give Humza supporters an easy out.
“We wouldn’t have lost if we kept Humza!” are words it should be impossible for them to say post-election. Don’t give them that ammunition.
To James
DeleteActually Alex was never the popular choice within the SNP, many did not support him as a person although they knew his reforming ideas at the time were good
Contrary to his own propaganda Winnie Ewing did not care for him then or at any time, she did however very much like Nicola Sturgeon who by contrast to Alex Winnie believed was the genuine article
Winnie had a nickname for Alex which I won't repeat here, but it was not complimentary
You mention Alex before he was prosecuted as though his popularity was greater amongst the members and that's true, but not with the public at large, the idea of independence was more popular than he was, but the idea of Nicola Sturgeon was even more popular than independence itself and why far more women members flocked to join the party when she was elected FM
As far as the campaign to destroy Nicola Sturgeon's popularity goes the effect so far has been virtually zero and may in fact backfire into sympathy for her persecuted position, but within the majority of MSPs and MPs she is still way more popular than Alex ever was
"Let Humza and his faction carry the can for losing so many MPs"
DeleteIt would be a wiser idea to replace Humza and not lose those MPs in the first place.
Anon at 8.35: I would guess Fergus Ewing is a better guide to what Winnie thought about Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon respectively than some anonymous commenter with an agenda. I do recall tensions between Winnie Ewing and Alex Salmond (for example over the selection of Roseanna Cunningham for the Perth & Kinross by-election), so yes, it's important not to rewrite history, but unfortunately that's exactly what you're doing yourself.
What's with the knives out for Salmond? No leader-worshipper, I -- look what that tendency has done to the SNP -- but hasn't he taken enough shit from them without us piling on?
DeleteAnon at 8.35am - you talk about the much vaunted SNP members - these members recently voted for Yousaf and Forbes to be leaders - both of them hardly gave independence a thought during the leadership election. In my opinion who they rate or like is vastly overrated. These members couldnae see beyond the end of their nose what Sturgeon's gang were ( and still are ) like.
DeleteGood thing for the next SNP leader - all of her predecessors are deeply flawed, in different ways. Yes, time to move on. Bye bye Humza and hello Kate. Never mind past baggage, time for a positive contrast with the past (& with Labour)..
ReplyDeleteSouthside Ian
She will not be helpful in terms of LGBTQ+ issues.
DeleteWe're voting for independence. Take your alphabet soup issues to the Greens.
DeleteThe Greens are absolutely welcome to become the dominant party of LGBTQ+ Yessers, however many of them there are outside of uni.
DeleteAs for all the rest of us, that's where new leadership in the SNP is needed.
Fed up of the rainbow warriors who have astroturfed on the SNP to push through an agenda which has nothing to do with Scottish independence.
DeleteAnd everything to do with turning people off.
Delete"You're all prejudiced!"
Only people who care more about their 'cause' than independence. Stand on your own feet instead of piggy backing on the SNP.
DeleteI think this thread encapsulates PERFECTLY the problem James identifies with the Sturgeon vs Salmond split in the independence movement.
DeleteIt has managed to politicise an entire range of issues - issues totally disconnected from independence and which few in Scotland genuinely care about - based on whether Sturgeon or Salmond support them. It’s like some terminally online version of Yin and Yang.
The whole trans issue. On the one hand, you have trans activists pushing deeply unpopular policy in the SNP and alienating voters. On the other, you have anti-trans obsessives in Alba chortling about Alphabet Soups and genital archives and all sorts of derisible nonsense, deluding themselves that Scottish people care about one another’s dangly bits just as much as they do.
Well, newsflash, SNP and Alba supporters.
Nobody cares.
Stop talking about other people’s dangly bits. Stop talking in support of them. Stop talking about how woke they are.
Whatever people’s opinions on trans stuff, they don’t much care either way.
Now that might be news to both sides of this debate - to the pro-trans and anti-trans obsessives. I get it if you’re some child or Boomer who has found themselves genuinely addicted to your fix of outrage on Twitter.
But newsflash, youngies and oldies. The majority of Scotland couldn’t care less about your weird gender obsessions, whichever side of this ridiculous debate you fall on.
Give it up. Whatever side you’re on, stop going on about. Maybe take a break from social media and see that the world is not as all consumed by other people’s genitals as you are.
Then, come back to the cause when you’re capable of conversation without mentioning the words, “trans”, “terf”, “woke”, or “alphabet soup”.
We’ll be much stronger for it.
Arguing that the party stick to independence as its core belief and not be led up side allies by those who wish to pursue their own agenda rather than independence has nothing to do with 'dangly bits' - indeed, you're the only one who mentions them.
DeleteBeing led up a blind alley by those who have an agenda other than independence is what has led the SNP to where it is today and I make no apology to you for saying so.
There was a vote in the snp and a leader was elected last year. Those outwith the snp don’t have a say. I chose Kate but she has turned out to be more right wing than I like. Another was a joke and has now resigned soon after. So much for loyalty that she spouted. Thank goodness she’s gone. At the hustings I attended she was dismal even with Cherry in the audience clapping with the less enthusiasm than would be expected, more through embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteWhat a snide comment. Calling people a joke, really?
DeleteI wasn't impressed with her either. "A joke" is a bit much, but as much as I preferred most of her policy position—the stuff on further criminalising sex workers was alarming—I found her performance on the campaign trail underwhelming indeed.
DeleteThe indy wing of the SNP (!) needed a stronger candidate. Her distant third place was no surprise.
It may be a snide comment, but facts don’t care about Ash’s feelings.
DeleteShe may have had the position that the SNP needed on independence, but she was also presentationally and substantively dire.
Anyone else remember those excruciating debate performances where she couldn’t explain her positions or policies because she was “going to let a team of experts decide that”.
Genuinely embarrassing for someone with leadership aspirations.
She put herself forward, she didnt win, she was a naive at times but joke is off the mark. Can people just lose an election without being characterized as a joke for goodness sake?
DeleteIf all we ever strive for now is black and white good and joke we'll get nowhere. Good people with good ideas won't come forward because theyre not perfect.
Politics really is rubbish eh.
The level of discourse has plummeted in recent years. Social media has caused people to go "all in" where we would be more measured in real life. Can't put the genie back in the lamp but it is a bit annoying.
DeleteAnyway onwards, we have as poor am SNP as we've ever had and a third still support it.. i think they need time out of power personally..but worst case theyre still most voted for. That doesn't bode well for the Union the next political cycle. Looking long term, there are positives to take.
The only joke is the SNP members who say they want independence but let Sturgeon's gang get away with promising a referendum year after year and delivering nothing but another promise. These are the people who are a joke and that includes the anons above who would choose a candidate who disnae want independence over someone who does because they think they weren't good enough. What do you get - someone like Yousaf who can yack away at FMQs but delivers nothing but shit and certainly zero chance of independence. Your choice numpties - Scotland stays a colony - Westminster happy - more years of ripping off Scotland's resources.
DeleteStephen Flynn will be the next SNP leader
ReplyDeleteWrong parliament.
DeleteSerious danger of losing his seat again. The SNP lost it as recently as 2017.
DeleteYes, he has a 4000 majority. If the Unionists gang up he might be in trouble.
DeleteTactical voting by unionists at the GE is going to hurt the SNP. I think there’s little doubt about that.
DeleteI think many of you with your comments are seriously underestimating the SNP.
ReplyDeleteIn what respect? Their coming election performance (polling says they’re in for trouble), their ruthlessness or their obliviousness?
DeleteAgree fully. The SNP is still a vibrant party.
DeleteThe SNP has sureness-of-touch. It made a great speech at conference. We can all agree.
DeleteIs this a chat GP post?
DeleteI think is pro ceasefire stance in Gaza will attract votes from Labour supporters in particular. Speaking to one labour supporter of many years ( old school) who is now withering.
ReplyDeleteSwithering
DeleteAt least I hope he's not really withering
DeleteGenerally, its domestic policy and issues that moves votes, not foreign policy. So, I don’t see it, sorry.
ReplyDeleteSouthside Ian
I agree, that’s a big problem. The SNP have been a disaster in recent years. Had they made a better job running the country there would be more support for independence, I have little doubt. They’ve messed up big time, and are going to pay a heavy price, as an awful lot of people have had enough.
DeleteThe GE will be bad, but worse could come in 2026, regardless of whether Yousaf hangs on or not. People are just so fed up of this awful administration.
At least it’s good to know the SG are “laser like focused “ on getting Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa into service.
DeleteBreaking: SGP to vote 🗳️ on BHA. Good, I hope they bin it. Another missed opportunity by Team Humza by failing to get in there first, of course, but par for the course for him and his Continuity Mismanagement ilk.
ReplyDeleteSouthside Ian
Just seeking information here, from James Kelly or any commenter: is there an ALBA spring conference on 18 May or thereabouts? I received an Alba email mentioning it, have since decided to go, but can no longer find the booking page, or any reference to the event by email, on Facebook, or anywhere else. Did I imagine it? In any case, what are the details of the next spring or summer conference?
ReplyDeleteI really want to attend, because I'm sick of people saying Alba is finished. Thanks for any information you can provide.
Yes, the spring conference is going ahead in Lochgelly on 18th May. Here is the link - https://www.albaparty.org/alba_spring_conference_2024
DeleteMany thanks.
DeleteShare a taxi anyone?
ReplyDeleteDepends when and where you are off to?
DeleteWhoever commented that Flynn is in the wrong parliament seems to have forgotten that so was Salmond. Also, Flynn has a Conservative in second place and will not lose to a Tory in the next GE-and Labour are too far behind
ReplyDeleteSturgeon is a traitor and can gtf. Salmond is the creator of the independence movement and is a hero. The population are including most supposed independence supporters are a bunch of thickos as witnessed by the 1.7% who vote for real yes Alba. This is mainly due to the demonisation of salmond by sturgeon on THE BBC.
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine Mary Lou Macdonald and Michelle O'Neill on the BBC demonising Gerry Adams. They'd be shot.
And I do doubt the commitment of bellacsledonia and weegingerdug to independence. It's obvious nusnp are the roadblock and it needs said. Mike small perpetually mocks Alba. Mocking acreal yes party in favour of nawbagdevo gender idiots, not the action if real yes supporter.
ReplyDeleteIt's also obvious that Campbell isn't a tory voter and is trying to promote alba to replace Greenspan listens oust current SNP leadership. Whatever, you may think oh him personally and there may be justification for that, he's on the right side.
There are some commentators who support Scottish independence if it supports their bank balance. Kavanagh knows and knew years ago what Sturgeon's gang did in persecuting Salmond and he set that aside for his own interests and then joined in the persecution in his own blog.
ReplyDeleteIf the COPFS decide to prosecute Murrell or Sturgeon or Beattie they should get a fair trial - the very thing the Murrell's tried to deny Salmond.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting a sair heid reading Anonymous arguing amongst themselves.
ReplyDeleteTo many of us, the idea of the SNP being given an electoral kicking is a welcome one. They've lost focus, they've lost direction and they've lost the faith of the wider Yes movement. The problem is that if they lose the next Scottish election they lose Holyrood, and by the presently tenuous extension, so does the Yes movement. Our own Parliament will revert to a pro-British Nationalist one.
The idea that a period out of office will allow them to clear out the dead wood and come back next time, better, fitter and more capable, is akin to the same delusion football supporters embrace when they are staring relegation in the face. Some teams, like Dundee United may bounce back at the first go, but for every Dundee United there's an Airdrieonians, a Partick Thistle, a Raith Rovers or a Dunfermline, who suddenly find their season in the seaside leagues becomes their permanent residence. And sometimes, one bad season follows another, until you are but a distant memory.
The Independence movement needs the SNP to change the manager NOW, before the humiliation of relegation, before the infighting and bickering destroys them, and takes us with it in the process.
Well yes they do but how to force that change:
Delete1. A poor showing at wm where they're useless anyway
2. A vote for an alternative real yes party that punishes their fake attempts to obtain independence..that party is clearly alba.i.e. become a proper independence party or die. That's all we can really do. Vote alba.
At the height of his wifes popularity and support for Scottish Independence, Peter Murrell thought ' i know i will syphon off £600k from the most popular political party in Europe, deceive my wife as leader of that party, fool millions of yes supporters and avoid scrutiny from the most hostile media on the planet'. For what gain? a mobile home?
ReplyDeleteWhere is the £600k, its not in the balance sheet, the auditors resigned presumably because they could not verify the accounts, and police Scotland took 2 years to investigate and press charges.
Neither of the above two scenarios make any sense whatsoever.
As an auditor, i can honestly say i am baffled why it took Police Scotland so long to find criminality. The question comes down to two plausible reasons the 600k is missing:
A: SNP have been irresponsible with party funds and used crowd funded monies to fight Brexit legal battles, General elections and Holyrood elections, all which occurred over a very short space of time, they might argue the point 'if we cant win the election, then theres no referendum'. Which you could fashion a case for saying (you just have not been very open about it)
And,or
B:Peter Murrell inexplicably decided he would deceive his wife, party and all Independence supporters for material gain such as a mobile home.
Which is the more likely? and if it is option one, then the police have taken two years to find reason to consider (and confuse) financial irresponsibility with pre-meditated criminality.