Why we are standing for re-election to the SEC
This short blog sets out why we want members to support us in our bid for re-election to our party’s Scottish Executive Committee (SEC) to represent the South Scotland and Lothian Regions. The ballot opens on Friday 12 January and closes on Friday 9 February, and you are being asked to elect two members to the SEC (one of which must be female).

There can be no doubt that the next 3 years  will be a huge challenge for our party. If all goes to plan, 2024 will see Keir Starmer elected as our Prime Minister and that will pave the way for Anas Sarwar having a real chance of becoming Scotland’s First Minster in 2026. To make gains we must remain united and focus on taking our positive message to the electorate. We both feel that factionalism is a barrier to our party regaining trust in Scotland, so our approach on the SEC over the past two years has always been focussed on unity.

We have both campaigned for the party and have played key parts in getting Ian Murray MP, Daniel Johnson MSP and several new Councillors elected. This has taught us that we must listen to voters and offer them a positive alternative to both the SNP and Tories. Voters want to understand what our priorities are, and we need to present them concisely.

Although confidence in our UK and Scottish Leadership is growing, there is more to do if we are to consolidate this support.

We are both fully committed to improving accountability and transparency within our party. Within that context, we make these four key pledges to you:

• Where possible, we will consult members on key issues before the SEC meets.
• If invited, we will attend your CLP meeting to listen to members.
• We will each provide a written report to members after each SEC meeting.     
• We will expect the General Secretary to investigate any leaks to the media from the SEC.  

We will ensure our party remains focussed on the challenges of today, not the divisions of yesterday.

A message from Sheila Gilmore
I have experience at nearly all levels of the Party: Branch Secretary, CLP Chair, Election Agent, Councillor (1991-2007), and MP for Edinburgh East (2010 and 2015).

Good policy is important, but we need to turn that into action through electoral success. I am Campaign Co-ordinator for my constituency , was Campaign Manager for Daniel Johnson in May 2021/when we increased the majority and vote share. We carried this into the 2022 council elections where we won an extra council seat and pushed our other candidates to first place in very closely fought contests, where 5 viable parties wee competing for 4 places. While every constituency is different, and one size doesn’t fit all, we need to learn from where we win, including in local councils.

The past two years have transformed our prospects. Under the leadership of Anas and Jackie we have now got to a position where Labour is seen as able to win . We need a steady leadership to ‘seal the deal’ with the voters and make sure current disillusion with the SNP translates to votes for Labour. Good organisation is crucial to this.

Moving forward we also have to start planning for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, and that includes ensuring we encourage, grow and support a diverse range of candidates for this and for local councils. Our record is not as good as it could be, and I am keen to ensure that the SEC gives full support to the Scottish Women’s committee and to groups supporting other under represented groups .

I campaigned for devolution, and still feel there is much more we could achieve through it. We need to start preparing practical policies for 2026, when hopefully we will be able to implement them. The Party needs to be clear on our opposition to independence and maintaining a strong positive narrative on why we believe the people of Scotland benefit from remaining part of the UK.

I support our current leadership team, but aim to be a ‘critical friend’ when it is needed. Leaders need constructive challenge. They need to hear what members are thinking and experiencing through active and well connected CLP representatives.

My enthusiasm and commitment to the Labour Party remains undimmed through all the ups and downs I have lived through. It is those qualities I bring to the Scottish Executive.

A message from Dr Scott Arthur
We are now on our third Scottish Leader and third General Secretary since I joined the SEC, but I’ve never seen it more united, and I am committed to it staying that way – unity is strength. I’m keen to stay on the SEC to give members a say, but also to support Keit and help Anas and Jackie take our party forward. I support them fully, but I take very seriously my job to give members a voice.  

Additionally, I believe in transparency within our party at all levels. This is why I, unlike many SEC members, issue a reports to party members after SEC meetings and have attended several CLPs.

As a proud Labour Councillor, I never miss an opportunity to remind the SEC that winning in Local Government is the first step to us winning in Holyrood.  That is why I stood in 2017 for election as a Labour Councillor – my Ward forms part of a strong Labour foundation in the Lothians where Labour Councillors work effectively with Ian Murray MP and our MSPs (Sarah Boyack, Foysol Choudhury, Daniel Johnson & Martin Whitfield) to take our party forward. If all does well, we will build from this base and take more seats from the SNP at the coming General Election. Indeed, I shall be standing against Joanna Cherry KC in Edinburgh South West,

The 2024 General Election will be a pivotal moment for our party, and the people in our communities that need Labour in power. If re-elected to the SEC, I’ll ensure our party puts everything it has into working with the Trade Unions to win as many seats as possible, and the support those MP after the election. From there, we can start the campaign for Holyrood in 2026.