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Fresh calls for Alexander to quit as leader



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WENDY ALEXANDER today came under fresh pressure to quit as Scottish Labour leader despite insisting she would be cleared of any "intentional wrongdoing" over funding of her campaign.
Ms Alexander said yesterday she would not be forced out and claimed she would be exonerated by investigations into the illegal £950 donation from Jersey-based businessman Paul Green.

But today the SNP claimed that none of the details of "who knew
what and when" could change the fact Ms Alexander was legally responsible for ensuring funding of her campaign for the Labour leadership was within the law.

Former SNP deputy leader Roseanna Cunningham said: "The problem is that intentionally or unintentionally, the fact is the law still makes her the one legally responsible.

"There are a lot of questions swirling about who knew what and when, but ultimately she is the one who is legally responsible."

Ms Cunningham also claimed Labour bosses in London had told Ms Alexander not to quit because they feared it would increase pressure on Gordon Brown and deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman over the row about banned proxy donations to the UK Labour party from property developer David Abrahams.

However, Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, one of Ms Alexander's key aides, today said she was determined to stay on.

She added: "It would be so much easier for Wendy to go, so much harder to stay. The one thing she has left is her reputation. She is showing incredible strength of character and determination to see this matter to a conclusion."



The full article contains 262 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 03 December 2007 1:28 PM
  • Source: Edinburgh Evening News
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Scottish Labour Party
 
1

,

03/12/2007 12:21:44
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason: Scotsman Import, Original comment id: 1196793, Article id was mapped to record!
2

Vivas,

03/12/2007 12:24:59

The 1st item in todays online EEN's "Politics" section
"Rosyth bid to land Norwegian ferry link"

...and then 2 items further down the page
"Fresh calls for Alexander to quit as leader"

Newspaper or comic ? you decide...

3

Alternative (High Octane) Fuel Head,

Edinburgh 03/12/2007 12:25:04

Maybe she should quit. Then she could go in the Guinness Book of Records as being the labour leader to hold office for the shortest term. She'd even beat Micheal Foot for that one!

Really though, if she can't handle it when things get hectic and hasn't got the balls to take responsibility, she shouldn't be leader.

4

ian citizen,

wendy 03/12/2007 12:29:00

ok lets assume she wasnt aware of wrong doing, what else is she not aware of ? should she be part of the system that runs scotland if she is so incompetent ?
us minor mortals break law & use ' not aware ' as excuse see how far it gets you !!!!!!!!

IGNORANCE TO LAW IS NO EXCUSE so we are led to believe

5

CSense,

03/12/2007 12:50:11

#2 Exactly. This in anyones eyes should be the main news story if not up there with the main 3. EEN is a bigoted Unionist rag.

6

Linda,

03/12/2007 12:52:21

Even the Daily Record is giving Labour's sleaze bigger coverage.

Scottish Labour is split down the middle. Who stabbed Wendy in the back by releasing her secret donor's list to journalists?

Was it Margaret Curren?

Where is rent a quote Lord Foulkes?

7

ochone, ochone,

Sauchie, Clack's 03/12/2007 12:59:08

Yes, that's the real interesting bit, who's the deep throat in the labour ranks and are they finished yet?

8

ochone, ochone,

Sauchie, Clack's 03/12/2007 13:02:56

Has Wendy's newest spin doctor Gavin Yates commented on this yet?

9

John Knox for First Meenister,

High St, Embra 03/12/2007 13:05:06

#6 yer right - thats the main story. £950 squid raised for a campaign that never even took place is small beer. Two questions -
1. how come Charlie Gordon can just tap up developers who happen to have made fortunes doing major developments in Glasgow which used to be run by one.. Charlie Gordon!
2. Who's leaking? Margaret Curren you think - but isnt she wendy's pal? What about a certain Mr Kerr?

10

Warden An' All, Reborn,

03/12/2007 13:08:47

Considering Wendy Alexander has given all indications of being lead by the nose herself, and has done nothing like a serious leader has, is it accurate to say she should quit as leader, when she clearly hasn't done any leading at all?

11

Concerned of Stockbridge,

03/12/2007 13:15:00

The donation was illegal so she should pay the relevant penalty - "exoneration" doesn't come into play at any point.

Unless of course it's going to apply to other similar offences such as Scamera convictions - "I didn't realise that I was speeding so I'm exonerated - can I have the points back"

12

Dragonlord,

03/12/2007 13:18:00

Quote:She added: "It would be so much easier for Wendy to go,

Yes it would, but then she would have to give up the gravy train. She sent a thank you letter, so she can't now claim she didn't know.

13

The Judge,

03/12/2007 13:30:55

The longer she stays the more damage she does to New Labour so I for one hope she's around for sometime to come. Anyway Gordon won't let her resign and he is the real leader of New Labour in Scotland.

14

DisgruntledVoter,

Stirling 03/12/2007 13:46:35

'The one thing she has left is her credibility' says one Jackie Baillie.
I would have though that her credibility is in absolute tatters!!
The Bendy Sister has lost two spin doctors in the space of two months, her transport spokesman has resigned, she has admitted culpability (unintentional just means 'ah ken you've got me, ah jist didnae mean it, m'lud') and she has taken another £16,000 from supporters for a leadership campaign that never existed and has spent it all. I call that FRAUD.
There's now no question about 'if' it's only 'when' and Charlie G and Davie Whitton should go too.
!!

15

Ah Bristo,

Edinburgh 03/12/2007 14:00:13

Don't go Wendy.

The SNP need you!!

16

elite ernie,

edinburgh 03/12/2007 14:06:25

This situation sets perfect credibility tests for the integrity of the Commission and the police.
Charlie Gordon-Lord Mall -should go

17

Thomas the Tank,

Embra 03/12/2007 14:07:23

Bendy Wendy has, I understand 2 Degrees and an MBA. She was a research officer in Scottish Labour headquarters but left in a huff when Wee Joke McConman became general secretary. She studied business management in Paris then took a 'globe-trotting job in corporate re-engineering'.
She then became a special adviser to the late Donald Dewar, Secretary of State for Scotland, who later described her as 'Galactically Bright' when she was elected to the first Scottish Parliament. She's said by her sycophants to be the 'Master of a detailed brief'.
With that backgroung, wailing 'But I didn'ae ken' is just treating the public with contempt. Pity she's unlikely to see the inside of Cornton Vale.

18

GrahamH,

03/12/2007 14:08:13

#1. Craig, remember that the SNP Executive at the time rubber stamped this when they could have stopped it regardless of the vote in the Parliament.

On a day when we are ALL calling for truth, let's not forget that SNP and many of us who voted for them on this basis let us down because we didn't want a vote of no confidence against us.

19

elite ernie,

edinburgh 03/12/2007 14:10:56

14
Which aspect of the definition of cult did you have in mind ?.
a. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
b. The followers of such a religion or sect.
2. A system or community of religious worship and ritual.
3. The formal means of expressing religious reverence; religious ceremony and ritual.
4. A usually nonscientific method or regimen claimed by its originator to have exclusive or exceptional power in curing a particular disease.
5.
a. Obsessive, especially faddish, devotion to or veneration for a person, principle, or thing.
b. The object of such devotion.
6. An exclusive group of persons sharing an esoteric, usually artistic or intellectual interest.

20

cnoc nagers,

Highlands 03/12/2007 14:12:24

Lets just assume that as a 'daft heilan laddie' I drive down to Edinburgh on the A9. My wife is navigating ie following the mapquest instructions. The agreement is that she keeps an eye out for changes in speed limits. She misses one and I am caught speeding. My defence is that its no really my fault it wis the wife that was looking after that for me and there was no intentional wrongdoing so therefore I am innocent. The wife of course will apologise for her mistake. Do you think it would work? Aye dream on!

21

Arrow,

edinburgh 03/12/2007 14:12:52

what you do not understand is that Wendy is an undercover agent for the SNP (like Steve McLaren). both have been secretly decorated with the Order of the Wars of Independence III . they and Big Gordie will be recognised as those Scots contributing most to Independence for Scotland.
i also understand that when New Labour will be wiped out on a National Holiday.
this is based on a view that when New Labour are wiped out a National holiday will be declared!!!

22

Linda,

03/12/2007 14:19:09

GrahamH, If Scottish Government (not executive) had ignored will of Parliament on Trams all hell would have broken out.

However most are happy with the SNP government.

Here is a poll you won't read about in EEN / Scotsman..

Thinking about the performance of the Scottish Government and the UK Government which one do you think is doing a better job?

Scottish Government: 54%
UK Government: 11%
Neither: 27%
DK: 8%


The breakdown for Labour voters was:

Scottish Government: 34%
UK Government: 30%


YouGov Survey Sample Size: 1111; Fieldwork: 28th - 30th November 2007

23

stuart the cabbie,

leith 03/12/2007 14:22:56

the PM --phoned her up---and said dont resign

LOL

you dont need a big or small brain in labour--to make decisions

24

DisgruntledVoter,

03/12/2007 14:36:20

No 16, Thomas,
Bear in mind that MBA is generally accepted to mean 'Master of Bu..er All!!

We now have the complete proof in the Bendy Sister!!

25

davydee,

Edinburgh 03/12/2007 14:42:05

*2 VIVAS
Totally agree Evening news/Scotsman total unionist rag and burying this news they are hoping people wont bother just like their bias election reporting as I have said all along this LIEBOUR party and government are up to their necks in it and there will be more skeletons to surface

26

kimba,

03/12/2007 14:57:56

Oh my,how the wolves are baying for blood!

27

Talorthane,

03/12/2007 15:28:00

#26 Ochone

Gavin Yates has commented on many things.

But I don't think he's been allowed to make any offical comeents since being employed as Wendy Alexander's spokesperson.

28

Enough's enough,

Livingston 03/12/2007 15:32:14

Does it run in the family? A brother who screwed up our last election and now a sister who does'nt seem to know right from wrong. Let's hope there are'nt any more of them lurking around out there. Go now and give us all a Christmas treat.

29

Breezy,

Argyll 03/12/2007 15:44:15

#25 A natural reaction to snouts firmly stuck in the trough and the chickens coming home to roost.

30

Gtj,

Dundee 03/12/2007 15:47:11

Is it just me, or do all these recent posts feel like a Labour/Unionists free zone.

Isn't life just great.

31

thistle do,

here n';there 03/12/2007 15:53:09

It's all so sad. A once great party now lead by numpties, wide boys and con artists who are dragging it into the gutter. Visit Holyrood and watch them in action. They seem to forget that school children are regularly in the gallery watching. The labour members are still in denial and their behaviour leaves a lot to be desired. They just can't re-organise themselves and now this mess. As a life long supporter I can't defend this current mob of egotistical "ye cannae touch me" low lifes.

32

kimba,

03/12/2007 16:20:02

spook, better the devil you know, who would replace her!

33

Ua Maol Dhómhnaigh,

alba 03/12/2007 16:21:20

i really hope she stays, she's been a godsend!

saor alba!

34

Linda,

03/12/2007 16:42:32

Boswall you are very much in the minority...l

Today's Yougov/ Daily Express poll, taken BEFORE Wendy-gate:
Which leader has impressed you most since the election:
Salmond 46%
Alexander 10%
Goldie 9%
Stephen 4%

Think Scottish Government doing good job: 54%
Think UK Government doing good job: 11%

35

Linda,

03/12/2007 16:55:33

Did anyone read Alan Cochrane in to-day's Torygraph?

An air of helpless, and at times hopeless, resignation hung over senior members of the Scottish Labour Party last night at the news that Wendy Alexander had decided to soldier on and was refusing to resign over the illegal donation to her campaign fund.

Even the additional and extraordinary claim that she knew weeks ago that she was the recipient of offshore, and therefore illegal, largesse did not persuade the Labour leader to do the decent thing and go.

As a result, the party's poor bloody infantry in the Scottish Parliament must circle the wagons, rally round the flag, prepare to repel boarders - or whichever desperate other cliché comes to mind - as the death throes of this incredibly sleazy passage in an increasingly discredited party continues to unfold.

There is no enthusiasm among senior Labour MSPs to tough this out but they have no option.

Typically for Scotland's, and possibly Britain's, most selfish and self-centred politician, Ms Alexander has given them no choice but to support her, however sullenly.

Her colleagues are not daft. They know what will happen. There will be more revelations about the dodgy donations to this increasingly dodgy looking party and the Scottish National Party, quite correctly, will make hay while the political sun shines for them.

And all the while lots of policemen will come-a-calling on Ms Alexander and that bunch of numpties she is pleased to call her campaign team to demand who knew what and when and who covered up what and when in this squalid little saga.

And on the issue of her campaign team, it is becoming increasingly evident that others, apart from Charlie Gordon, will have to seriously consider their future as MSPs if the latest revelations prove accurate. It is also clear that the party leader expects her team to lay down their careers to protect her.

Over the weekend, the principal reason being advanced by

36

kimba,

03/12/2007 17:21:04

36 spook. Have a better suggestion,let Gordy head Scottish Labour,so us in England can reclaim our country from the scottish mafia.

37

Farmernot,

03/12/2007 17:23:03

Wendy should ask the Parly's Labour Party members opinion.
The betting is that they would ask her to stay on as no one else wants the position as Eck has them by the S & C's every question time......its better than Tom and Jerry I can tell you.....Wendy turns maroon wi rage every time Ecky goads her !!!!

38

Calum Mcleod,

03/12/2007 17:25:38

I think there should a Police enquiry. It should be launched immediately into corruption, sleaze, lying, blaming, bodyswerving ................ but it should also include a Missing Person enquiry. Where is Moscow Central 42? Maybe not at work today (after all he only uses his computer to defend his beloved party during office hours), maybe he's not a he, maybe he's a she. Maybe Moscow Central 42 is really Wendy and she's supporting Scotland's understaffed and beleaguered police by "helping them with their enquiries." eh, MC42 (nice handle, figured it out, come out from behind your disguise)
Aye, sometimes the indefensible is just too much, even for the most zealous of zealots!

39

DisgruntledVoter,

Stirling 03/12/2007 17:27:15

Kimba (40)
You could almost persuade me except for one thing:

GBROON SAYING THAT HIS FAVOURITE GOAL WAS GAZZA'S AGAINST MY COUNTRY!!!

Understand??

40

kimba,

03/12/2007 17:49:46

43. Oh come on, it's a game of football,it aint life or death,anyhow he regards himself as BRITISH,funny that as he signed the Scottish bill of rights;he will be kicked out of England sooner rather than later,so I predict him headind Scottish Labour

41

DisgruntledVoter,

Stirling 03/12/2007 18:16:30

47. Aye, But it IS a game of life and death - in this case the death of a career in politics for one W Alexander!!

For which we should all be grateful.

Now for THE WEE DUGGIE

By the way, does anyone recall a political broadcast on the Beeb maybe 20 years ago when the SNP won from yon ancient Tory and in the broadcast one Labout 'plant' turned completely viscous and right nasty against one R Cunningham??

Yes, you know the answer - it was THE WEE DUGGIE in training.

I think YOU TUBE should be informed.

42

Thomas the Tank,

Embra 03/12/2007 18:41:01

#26, Disgruntled; yep, I've worked in organisations infested with the MBA culture and similar 'qualiifications'- 'Master of B***er All' is one of the more polite interpretations. Most who 'achieve' it are financed by their Company, with much of the work done by 'underlings'.
Just saw Jackie Baillie on telly, btw - straight from the pages of Viz - still wittering on about 'intentional wrongdoing'. Jackie and Wendy - there's nothing about 'knowing/intentional' about this Offence- it's 'Absolute' - there's nae 'Didna Ken' defence - and it's YOUR Bloody legislation!!!
Gonnae be a hoot next FM's Questions - if she's still there!!!

43

MacKenzie,

03/12/2007 18:52:25

I just hope that the TV series 'Yes Minister' was accurate in its' portrayal of Civil Servants really running the country behind the scenes, because the bunch of self important amateurs that make up the Scottish Government couldn't organise the proverbial party in a pub. And I'm talking about all colours of political party here.

Jackie Baillie's got it wrong here as well. Wendy Alexander hasn't got a shred of credibility left, and this will not get any better in future.

She's on her way out - now or some time soon - as soon as the Labour Party in London tell her.

Somebody should let her know that ignorance of the law is no excuse, however incredible it is that she 'didnae ken.'

44

madrab,

edinburgh 03/12/2007 18:58:11

Why hasn't she been arrested yet?

Can the police not afford a newspaper on their way to Greggs?

45

Toast,

03/12/2007 19:24:48

Cannot stand the woman ,but in fairness she was going to quit till Gordon Brown told her it was out of the question as Hattiot was going to brasen it out so Wendy must as well,the man must be an idiot if he thinks that "joe public" is fooled for one second ,and politician found taking illegal or improper donations should immediately resign their seat and be prosecuted.

46

Calum Mcleod,

03/12/2007 19:24:53

Prescott assaults man - "Oh, that's just John for you!" (Blair)
Blunkett defrauds railway for tickets for his staff - "Oh, it's OK, he's paid it back" (Blair)
Prescott doesn't pay Community Charge on Marble Arch flat for 4 years - "It was an oversight, he forgot" - Party spokesman
Harman gets £5k+ illegally for internal party campaign - "shhhhhhhhhhhh" (Brown)
Alexander gets nearly £1k illegally for one-horse internal party electio - "Oh, she didn't do it intentionally" - Baillie
Common denominator - NO APPEARANCES IN COURT
Note to Labour: All the above are CRIMINAL offences for which people, ordinary people appear in court.
PS - Please may I have my £60 and 3 penalty points back for 35mph in a 30 in Fife because I didn't do it intentionally either. "**** off!" - Party spokesman.
Arrogant, corrupt, criminals all.

47

Linda,

03/12/2007 19:30:30

When will Wendy come out of the Wendy House and face the press / answer questions?

At least Gordon Brown had the courage to do that.

48

Colin John Macrae,

west lothian 03/12/2007 20:00:34

Perhaps we should all join the LABOUR party,we will be exempt prosecution as the POLICE seem incapable of doing anything about Wendy Alexander.
The Electoral Commission appears to be a TOOTHLESS tiger with no power at all, so joining the LABOUR party seems to be a good idea ???
The BBC are slagging off Russia for being crooked during an election, they should look closer to home for corruption in goverment.

49

Mr A Roy,

03/12/2007 20:57:11

Why are these politicians exempt from the law ?

50

Brian Hill,

Edinburgh 03/12/2007 21:01:40

She has to go because she is damaging Holyrood and the entire Scottish political system in the eyes of the public.....not to mention the Labour Party of course but then she is saving Gordon and Harriet.

Have the bookies stopped taking bets about her being leader by the end of the week?

51

slogger,

ayrshire 03/12/2007 22:49:24

Alexander is finished, Harman is finished and Brown and the labour party have been mortally wounded. very hard to see them holding on to power at the next election.

52

Plastic Policeman,

London 03/12/2007 23:20:14

If you have dug yourself into a hole stop digging. Wendy Alexander along with the rest of the law breaking Labour Party gang should resign.

53

Plastic Policeman,

London 03/12/2007 23:28:09

Wendy Alexander, Harriet Harman, Peter Hain and all others that have been found to have broken the law with regard to donations should resign. Why should the taxpayer continue to pay their wages and PLATINUM PENSIONS? The purpose of the Police Force in Britain is to fight crime on the streets. Instead it is investigating crime at the Houses Of Parliament at the taxpayers' expense! Any politician found to be breaking the law should not only be sacked but should also be made responsible for meeting the costs of the police enquiry. Perhaps they would learn not to do it again. Why should we the taxpayers have to pay for the government's wrongdoing? It beggars belief !

54

COLINTON.MAINS,

canada 04/12/2007 01:03:11

950/pound.is.nothing.a.round.for.the.bar

55

donald,

weegieland 04/12/2007 08:31:34

I know Nuzzing.

56

donmclean,

East Kilbride 05/12/2007 01:05:55

Do you think that all this has been contrived to let her brother off the hook for the voting fiasco ??


 

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