Former Cabinet Minister Criticizes SNP’s Decade in Power and Returns to Politics

Former cabinet minister Douglas Alexander has made headlines with his scathing criticism of the SNP’s performance in the past decade. In an interview with The Times, Alexander expressed his despair over the state of the nation, stating that he cannot think of a single aspect of public life that has improved under the SNP’s leadership.

Alexander, who lost his seat to Mhairi Black in 2015, is now making a comeback to politics, aiming to challenge Alba’s MP Kenny MacAskill for the East Lothian seat in the next Westminster election. He believes that the focus on Scottish independence has hindered progress in other areas, leading to what he describes as a “lost decade” in Scottish politics.

The former minister criticized the emphasis on identity politics over actual delivery, pointing out issues such as failing schools, widening attainment gaps, and long waiting lists for healthcare. He highlighted the need for a shift towards a focus on tangible improvements in public services.

Alexander’s return to politics is driven by his commitment to Scotland and his belief in public service. He aims to contribute to a Scottish Labour “comeback” and work towards securing a Labour Westminster government. Recent polling has shown the SNP and Scottish Labour neck and neck at the Westminster level, with many seats considered to be marginals between the two parties.

Despite facing accusations of bullying behavior during his time as chair of Unicef UK in 2020, Alexander denied the claims and expressed his surprise at the allegations. Scottish Labour’s financial situation has also come under scrutiny, with reports indicating that the party relies on assistance from Labour HQ to meet its financial obligations.

As Alexander prepares to re-enter the political arena, his criticisms of the SNP’s performance and his vision for a better future for Scotland are sure to spark debate and discussion in the lead-up to the next election.