If I were a member of Scottish Labour, I'd be asking why Anas Sarwar hasn't been doing much more to make the political weather of late.
Now it's difficult to make policy in opposition which is why elections are normally fought on the governing party's track record which is, of course, bad news for the SNP.
But it's not hard to make moves which make headlines and capture people's imagination - so why doesn't Anas Sarwar announce his decision to stand against Nicola Sturgeon or Humza Yousaf in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections?
Both Sturgeon and Yousaf are focused on other things these days.
Yousaf has more to say about Gaza that he does about Glasgow Pollok and he now lives on the other side of Scotland in the leafy suburbs of Dundee's Broughty Ferry.
Sturgeon is busy writing her £300,000 memoirs and has set up a private company, presumably with the intention of pursuing a new career outside of politics altogether.
So Sarwar throwing down the gauntlet makes sense especially if, as seems likely, one or other decides not to stand in 2026 - Sarwar can claim a walkover victory!
I said as much in January 2024 (follow link below).
Throw Down The Gauntlet, Anas! (January 15, 2024)
If I were Anas Sarwar, I would announce my intention intend to stand against Humza Yousaf in the next Scottish Parliament elections in 2026.
Anas stood against Nicola Sturgeon last time round and halved her majority if I remember correctly, but announcing a challenge to Humza would reinforce the message that his coat is on a 'shoogly peg'.
Especially as Humza now lives in the leafy suburbs of Broughty Ferry, Dundee - more that 80 miles and a good two hour drive from his constituents in Glasgow Pollok!
Not very 'eco' friendly either although the barmy Scottish Greens have nothing to say on the subject!
Humza Yousaf - Making a Mockery of Local Democracy (September 24, 2023)
A kind reader (@WobbleyBØB) sent me this map which highlights the impossibility of Humza Yousaf representing the good citizens of Glasgow Pollok properly while living on the other side of Scotland - in Broughty Ferry on the outskirts of Dundee.
Clearly the SNP and Yousaf are having a laugh because this arrangement makes a mockery of 'local' democracy and is insulting to voters in Glasgow.
Humza Yousaf - Making A Mockery Of Local Democracy (February 19, 2023)
As I was writing my post about Humza Yousaf living in Broughty Ferry while claiming to represent a constituency in Glasgow an old tune popped into my head.
So I thought I'd share it on the blog after changing a few of the original words:
It's a long way to Broughty Ferry
It's a long way to go.
It's a long way to Broughty Ferry
To the sweetest girl I know!
Goodbye Crookston Castle
Farewell to George Square!
It's a long long way to Broughty Ferry
But my heart's right there.The SNP ought to be ashamed of this nonsense as it makes a complete mockery of local democracy
