The Tories introduced the 50% strike ballot threshold to make industrial action harder. MATT WRACK argues that a Labour government has no justification for leaving it on the statute book
IN THE Scottish Labour Party we face two crucial votes over the next six weeks: no doubt the leadership election will gather the most attention, but it is our internal selection for the ranking on the regional lists which could dramatically and meaningfully change the face and fortunes of the Labour Party in Scotland.
In 1999 Labour won 53 MSPs from the constituencies and only three additional members from the regional lists.
The additional list system, where votes are subtracted according to the number of constituencies won, is supposed to balance representation.
Burnham’s Makerfield triumph offers the party the opportunity to reconnect with working people, but only if it rejects business as usual, says CAROL MOCHAN MSP
The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW
This by-election could plausibly see both Reform and Labour defeated — but splitting the left insurgent vote would put that at risk, argues CHRIS WILLIAMSON
LOTTE COLLETT welcomes the arrival of a new party for the left, a vehicle for councils to finally fight for progressive policies on housing, green spaces and public facilities, rather than administering cuts and misery from central government


