Scottish Labour plans to wrest control of Westminster selections from NEC

Scottish Labour – an organisation which has come in for considerable criticism in recent weeks – has agreed to conduct a review that may lead to expanded powers for the party. At present Westminster selections across the UK are under the control of Labour’s NEC – but at a meeting of Scottish Labour’s Executive Committee yesterday, leader Johann Lamont (who denied yesterday she was planning to quit) secured agreement for a wide ranging review of the party’s structures, including selections. The Sunday Herald reports:

“Following Labour’s heavy defeat to the SNP at the 2011 Holyrood ­election, an organisational review led by Murphy and MSP Sarah Boyack created the post of Scottish Labour leader, a role secured by Lamont. However, Lamont feels it is time to have a second investigation, which will be undertaken by party chairman Jamie Glackin as well as an MSP and an MP…Although the remit was not finalised yesterday, the review will examine handing the power for all Scottish MP selections to the party north of the Border.”

Other rule changes (such as a revised electoral college for Scottish leadership elections and changes to where Councillor donations are spent) are also being considered.

What many senior figures have been calling for behind the scenes though is a change of leadership, despite Lamont telling the press that she wants to stay on. That’s reflected in what one told the Herald “The prevailing view is that we need a change at the top, not a review that tinkers with organisational change”. Lamont facing a leadership challenge is not on the cards right now – but nor is it entirely out of the question.