DOUGLAS ALEXANDER claims Anas Sarwar’s exit gives Scottish Labour a chance to ask “deeper political questions” — but socialists argued today that they are being ducked.

The party has failed to gain a seat at a Holyrood general election this century, garnering just 17 seats in May, but speaking to BBC Radio Scotland today, the Scottish Secretary suggested losing its leader to take up a junior ministerial post in the Lords presented an opportunity.

Arguing that “there are lessons that can and should be learned” about the campaign he ran, Mr Alexander said: “It’s also an opportunity now to reflect on some deeper political questions about Scottish Labour’s place within devolved Scotland, how we are more effective in winning the support of the Scottish people in Holyrood.”

But Campaign for Socialism co-chair Lauren Harper commented: “Anas leaving for a position in the House of Lords rather than taking responsibility for a decimated membership, two election defeats, and a rising far right is avoiding answering questions, not allowing for ‘deeper questions.’

“If this leadership was in any way interested in a deeper debate Jackie Baillie would also be leaving.”