Miliband dismisses Lamont’s “branch office” claims in Daily Record interview

Ed Miliband has broken his silence over Johann Lamont’s resignation – and specifically allegations that Scottish Labour was treated like a “branch office” – in an interview with the Daily Record. Miliband told the paper:

“I was proud to work with Johann in the referendum campaign. I see it differently from the way it’s been described. I think we changed in terms of the 2011 review (of the Scottish Labour Party), with a new Scottish leader, redrawing Scottish constituency parties to serve the Scottish Parliament.”

“The referendum was led by Scottish Labour with others providing support, like the 100 Labour MPs coming up to campaign. I just see it a different way.”

“I came to Parliament after devolution and so I recognise not just the settled nature of the devolution settlement but also the case for further devolution.”

On Lamont, Miliband praised the former Scottish Labour leader, although seemingly without much enthusiasm:

“I have respect for Johann, for her grit and determination, for these are hard jobs and she fought a once-in-a-generation referendum campaign, so I have huge respect for her.”

“She took over in 2011 when things were really tough and she showed huge distinction in the results of 2012 and the referendum. But I echo what she said on Tuesday, it is time to move on.”

But he refused to be drawn on the departure of Scottish General Secretary Ian Price, that Lamont blamed in part for her own exit:

“These are personnel issues and it is time to move forward.”

The full interview is worth reading – you can do so here – but it was conducted before the latest grim polling news from Scotland, that gives the SNP a 29 point lead over Labour.