Salmond v Sturgeon round 4. What next?

[Cismyfatarse]

New thread.

She seems to still be handling the justice brief even since the reshuffle

It shows just how absurd a decision it was to replace her with Ann McLaughlin. With zero clue about justice.

I've always suspected that she'd perhaps stand in a by-election if the leadership comes up at some point. I'm sure there's at least one 'old timer' hanging on to step down so that the opportunity can happen.

We're in danger of needing a new thread before the reports release next week.

@StatisticallyChallenged

Well that was rapid!

She'd need to be an MSP to be FM yes. But they would be playing a really risky game to force her out right now, I suspect she knows a lot.

Reported myself, thought it was probably too much info.

Ah that makes sense! I did think it was awfully fast!

Agh. I can't believe I missed that post!! Somebody DM me please!!

It would be contempt of court

Link to tweet

Derek Mackay has resigned from the SNP & now the 'probe' into his conduct is closed. Isn't there a policy on the behaviour of former ministers gathering dust somewhere in Scot government?

Just watching the Craig Murray video now. Jeez, the man looks haunted and if he's about to have a breakdown.

Ha, when it's so bad they're throwing their own under the bus for distraction purposes!

He’s still waiting to find out if he’s been found guilty of contempt of court. It’s getting on for 2 months now.

@Happinessisawarmcervix

He’s still waiting to find out if he’s been found guilty of contempt of court. It’s getting on for 2 months now.

Yes, it's such a shame, he's mentioned that he has a new baby and his work/money has dried up.

He's got a new baby too. Bet he hasn't slept properly for weeks.

But it is hugely upsetting to find that your whole political compass has been utterly turned upside down. I'm upset to be politically homeless, I'm anxious about the future, I'm worried about what else is in store as this story plays out.

Derek Mackay kept hanging on for so long though. I had assumed nothing further was happening there.

Derek Mackay £64k salary plus £11k expenses while apparently having a pause in the enquiry while he sought help for his mental health.

Oh right. That's a good use of public money.

Derek mackay being deployed as a squirrel.

Is Harvie a list MSP or did he win his seat? Is he top of the green's list fo may?

Harvie is a list MP. He stood in Glasgow Kelvin last time and got a respectable vote, 24%. With the well-known MSP Sandra White retiring he might be hoping to do even better in May.

@Graffitiqueen

Derek mackay being deployed as a squirrel.

Well he seems to have a big interest in nuts...

It's crazy that a list msp is the kingmaker on the Scottish Parliament. Harvie is an absolute toad.

@WaxOnFeckOff 😂😂😂

@Graffitiqueen

It's crazy that a list msp is the kingmaker on the Scottish Parliament. Harvie is an absolute toad.

The power the greens have here is really significant - worryingly so. If it was SNP Westminster MPs involved in a VONC I think a couple might swing, but the Holyrood lot just seem so cowed.

The power the greens have here is really significant - worryingly so.

I agree - I think that also explains (to an extent) the GRA & HCB. Extreme/niche policy that wouldn't get past the outskirts of common policy, but for the disproportionate influence of a tiny & extremist (re trans rights) party. The greens are a total shit show IMO. Lost any credibility over the identity politics obsession.

You'd think that given the power the greens have Scotland would have become an example for others in terms of policies to benefit the environment? 🤔

The current debacle is really showing up the inherent weakness in the Holyrood voting system.

Actively works to prevent a single Party forming a majority which can then afford internal dissent to hold it to account. Fragments the Opposition into competing factions who end up focused on each other rather than Govt. Gives disproportionate power and exposure to minor players without accountability.

Before the Greens this is the mechanism which allowed the SNP to coattail as the bit player getting all of the credit and none of the flak.

Contrast with FPTP in WM where the LibDems went into coalition only to end up getting all of the flak and none of the credit.

@BlackForestCake

Is Harvie a list MSP or did he win his seat? Is he top of the green's list fo may?

Harvie is a list MP. He stood in Glasgow Kelvin last time and got a respectable vote, 24%. With the well-known MSP Sandra White retiring he might be hoping to do even better in May.

He's also (of course) top of the Greens' regional list for Glasgow for 2021, so almost certainly back in one way or another.

The Kelvin constituency race looks interesting - Labour disqualified Hollie Cameron (chosen as candidate by the local CLP), allegedly for being pro-independence. Don’t know who the replacement will be - I don’t think Lab have officially announced any Constituency candidates yet? The SNP candidate is Kaukab Stewart, who’d be a first-time MSP if elected (which could let ambivalent people off the hook for voting SNP in spite the HCB - SHE didn’t vote for it).