Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
The headless chicken coup attempt – what's at stake for Scottish Labour?
It is clear to all that the ongoing coup against our left-wing leader is about the future not only of Scottish Labour, but the Labour Party as a whole, writes VINCE MILLS
Edinburgh South MP Ian Murray

THE recent photograph of Ian Murray rehearsing for the announcement of the launch of the  “Independent Group” of MPs tells us all we need to know about the real intentions of Scottish Labour’s centrists.

Although not fronting up this attempt to oust Richard, everybody knows that Ian Murray MP is part of the centrist drive to replace Richard and move Scottish Labour to an uber-unionist, economically conservative position, seeking support from “liberal” unionists. If it is successful, it will embolden those around Starmer to pursue the same agenda in the rest of the UK.

But this coup really is literally “headless.” Who, for example, is it that the centrists want to take over?  Those calling for Richard Leonard to go in public – an unattractive mixture of ambitious MSPs, political relics from the House of Lords and even an old football commentator clearly nostalgic for the days when people thought what he said (about football mind you) mattered – none of these can tell you. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney speaking during a press conference at Grassmarket Apex Hotel, Edinburgh, following the 2026 Holyrood elections, May 9, 2026
Features / 11 May 2026
11 May 2026

The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW

Durham Miners’ Gala 2025
Durham Miners’ Gala 2025 / 12 June 2025
12 June 2025

The Gala’s core message of working-class solidarity offers renewed hope and provides the antidote to the anti-worker policies of Reform UK, argues IAN LAVERY MP

Former Labour Party leader and now Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn joins a march in central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, July 6, 2024
Opinion / 10 July 2025
10 July 2025

VINCE MILLS cautions over the perils and pitfalls of ‘a new left party’

SOBERING FIGURES: Vote counting for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election on May 1 2025
Opinion / 16 May 2025
16 May 2025

VINCE MILLS gathers some sobering facts that would inevitably be major obstacles to any such initiative