Alex Massie Alex Massie

Who Does David Cameron Want to See Win in Scotland?

That’s the question Jeff Breslin asks at Better Nation and, as a bonus, he gets the answer right too: Alex Salmond. In truth, it’s not a difficult question no matter how one approaches it.

From a governance perspective the SNP have been modestly underwhelming. This still represents a major advance from the days of the Labour-Lib Dem coalition that preceded them. Nor is there any reason to hope for anything this time around from a Labour party actively hostile to anything that might even be mistaken for a fresh idea. On those grounds alone, a Labour minority ministry in Edinburgh is a dreary prospect.

The Scottish elections in May are likely – nay bound! – to be interpreted in a UK context by much of the London press. They shouldn’t be but they will be. Labour advances will be seen as some kind of repudiation of the coalition’s policies.

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in