The constitutional struggle is a long game, and in the ‘war of position’ unionism is in a stronger position than the SNP would have you think.
A string of polls have found both the SNP falling short of an overall majority and the Union outpolling independence.
It’s clearer than ever that the Scottish Government is covering things up. But that is likely not enough to bring down Sturgeon before May’s elections.
New polls suggest the SNP may still be dependent on their separatist allies to hold on to power in Edinburgh after the upcoming elections.
This old-style socialist turns out to be much more of a small-c conservative than his many critics are willing to admit.
Also: Ministers can’t bleat about the ‘culture war’ if they’re prepared to let their planned celebration of Britain be renamed ‘Festival UK* 2022’. Get a grip, DCMS.
Also: Downing Street shakes up the Union Unit as it goes on the attack over the SNP’s botched handling of the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.
The former Glasgow MP is now, astonishingly, Governor of Punjab, while his son is getting ready to attempt the revival Scottish Labour.
The party needs to reach parts of the pro-UK electorate that the Tories cannot. Under Leonard, it has signally failed to do so.
Also: Johnson and Gove set to meet to plot their pro-Union strategy as a Tory MSP defends to Nigel Farage’s new party.
Were his allegations against Sturgeon are substantiated, she would probably have to resign, and damage to the broader Nationalist cause could be severe.
With Brexit done and vaccinations continuing, a major mission will be Johnson’s commitment to deliver levellling-up.
Moving them would require primary legislation, but despite bullish official pronouncements there is little certainty that we’ll be voting in May.
Much the best way to embarrass its members at Westminster would be to hail them as friends and fellow members of the Establishment.
Playing for second place is not good enough. It may be difficult to deliver, but an expansive pro-UK electoral alliance is our best hope.