SCOTTISH Labour have sought advice from around the world on how to become a credible party of government and give themselves “the edge” in elections.
The party’s deputy leader Jackie Baillie travelled to Berlin for a conference hosted by campaigners behind the Social Democratic Party of Germany’s 2021 victory, while Labour have also sought inspiration from Australia and New Zealand.
The trip is said to have been about getting advice from parties that have a track record of winning the hearts and minds of the public before the General Election and in preparation for the Holyrood vote in 2026.
Conversations have also taken place with Labour parties Down Under after Anthony Albanese won last year’s Australian election and the New Zealand party won more than 50% of the popular vote three years ago.
A Survation poll this month for consultancy firm True North put Labour at 30% on Holyrood constituency voting intentions and 26% on the regional list vote. This means the party are still behind the SNP but the gap is narrowing.
Baillie said: “It was helpful to hear from Labour and social democratic parties across the world who have taken power in competitive elections.
“From digital technology to doorstep tactics, the ability to learn from the best across the world is shaping how we think about how to maximise Labour gains in 2024 and 2026.
“Every contest is different but we’re sharing the kind of best practice that means in an election where every percentage matters it might just give us the edge.”
An SNP source told The Times: “Labour can travel around the world 10 times over searching for ways to win in Scotland but while they continue to be a pro-Brexit, anti-democracy, self-acclaimed Tory party, they stand no chance of winning the trust of people in Scotland.”
Earlier this week, Stewart McDonald warned the SNP against suggesting Labour were a “replica” of the Tories.
Instead, he said the SNP must offer a “real alternative to broken Westminster governance”.
Responding to a political commentator on Twitter, McDonald said: “We must critique Labour, of course, but after the disaster years of Boris and weeks of Truss, telling people Lab & Con are the same won’t get us far.
“We must show we can answer the economic, social and global insecurities reaching into every community.”
