2025.4 – Reflections on #ScotLab25
My reflections on Scottish Labour Conference 2025; the question being asked of us ahead of 2026, and whether we are offering a clear enough answer. Continue reading 2025.4 – Reflections on #ScotLab25
Category: Politics
2025.3 – A New Norm-al
We have rely on conventions and unwritten rules every day and a variety of situations.
But our over-reliance on them in the Legal and Political space has left us weak when facing-off against those whose whole drive is to ignore and upend them.
We must be bolder in protecting our liberal democracies from those who threaten them. Continue reading 2025.3 – A New Norm-al
2025.2 – “This is not a Day for Soundbites…”
One of my favourite plays (and films) is Alan Bennett’s “The History Boys”, possibly because I loathe one of the characters. He is a tutor brought in to coach the titular boys through their Oxbridge applications.His advice to them was to be contrarian – not necessarily because you believe it – but because it is interesting. You must find a ‘gobbet’ (a quote or phrase … Continue reading 2025.2 – “This is not a Day for Soundbites…”
What’s Soft and Yellow?
What’s the difference between a block of butter and the SNP voter base?
While both are soft and yellow – I don’t like my butter thinly spread. [Sorry, Ed.] Continue reading What’s Soft and Yellow?
You need a Pain in the Arse…
My name is Paul Cruikshank and I am a Rules Lawyering, question asking, “Umm Actually”ing, Pain in the Arse…
…but I think you’ll find that’s a good thing, actually. Continue reading You need a Pain in the Arse…
Who’s like her – damn few…
Nicola Sturgeon resigning as First Minister was surprising for many; but also presents some real problems for the SNP going forward – but they have echos of what brought Sturgeon to power in the first place. Continue reading Who’s like her – damn few…
A Good 2 Weeks; A Long 2 Years
The last 2 weeks have seen a massive shift of opinion in Scotland and across the UK; but the 2 years before the next General Election are where Labour needs to put in the real work to make sure they win! Continue reading A Good 2 Weeks; A Long 2 Years
Normal Service may Resume shortly…
After not blogging for for the best part of 2 years, I ease myself back in gently by reflecting on the past 2 weeks – and the fact that I just don’t really get it. Continue reading Normal Service may Resume shortly…
#MakeItMurray in Glasgow
If you’re a Scottish Labour member in Scotland, you will be very acutely aware you have just over 12 hours left to make you choice for the Regional List Selections for the upcoming Scottish Parliament Elections. I think that this, more than the Scottish Leadership Election, is the vote that will mould the party and decide whether over the course of he next Parliament we … Continue reading #MakeItMurray in Glasgow
THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF POLITICS, HUH? (PART 2)
It’s been a long weekend in Scottish Politics – so much so, I’ve had to split up my thoughts over 2 posts. Part 1 looking at the Green Party, and the SNP’s impending Civil War is available here. Here, I look at how Labour and the Tories face a similar problem in Scotland – but have taken 2 different paths to find the answer. The … Continue reading THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF POLITICS, HUH? (PART 2)
Paul Cruikshank 