Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
NEXT week, the Court of Session in Edinburgh is expected to rule on whether to move forward the “freeze date” in the Scottish Labour leadership election so newer members can vote in the upcoming Glasgow South West selection.
Last year Matt Kerr, a postie, CWU official and Glasgow City Councillor, came within 60 votes of winning the seat. Kerr is keen to finish the job, and many are confident he can.
But Glasgow solicitor Asim Khan wants to topple him, and hopes he can count on the votes of hundreds of members who signed up to support his ally Anas Sarwar in his failed leadership campaign last year. Many are worried this could ultimately cost Labour the seat.
ANSELM ELDERGILL is a member of Your Party and he suggests how the new party should reform Britain’s constitution
Mental health fears push Peers to change law on IPP torture sentences, reports Charley Allan
The historic heartland of anti-fascist resistance and mining militancy now faces a new battle — stopping Nigel Farage. ANDREW MURRAY meets ex-Labour MP Beth Winter and former Plaid leader Leanne Wood, the two socialists leading the resistance


