Michael Marra, a Scottish Labour leadership candidate, has said he is against an early general election amid fears that dozens of the party's MPs could lose their seats. Speaking to the Record's Planet Holyrood podcast, Marra said the priority of the Labour Government should be “taking the time” to improve the country.
Burnham's popularity fuels speculation
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has presided over a boost in popularity for Labour since becoming Prime Minister, fuelling speculation of an early poll. He has appeared to rule out going early, but political observers believe an election could take place early next year.
Among the biggest sceptics of cutting short Labour’s five-year term are the Scottish party’s 37 MPs. Although Labour has gained a few percentage points in the polls for Westminster, the party north of the border is languishing in the wake of another Holyrood election defeat.
Marra's stance and MP fears
Scottish Labour came fourth in two recent by-elections for the Commons, and party sources fear an early election would see them reduced to fewer than 10 MPs. Asked if he is persuaded by an early poll, Marra said: “No, I’m not. I think we’ve got a very significant mandate to make the kind of change that the country needs.”
He said Burnham had made a “brilliant” start, in contrast to predecessor Keir Starmer whose relationship with the country had “broken down”. Marra said: “There’s lots more to do and I think that we should be taking the time to do it.”
Support for free tuition and republicanism
In a recent X post, Labour MP Alison Taylor, who represents Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said she is against holding another election so soon. She wrote: “Andy has publicly stated on more than one occasion-he has no intention of calling a general election - last thing public want two years into a five year term.”
Meanwhile, Marra also said he supports free university tuition despite claims by a Labour source he is sympathetic to a debate on the financing of higher education. He said: “I believe we should have free tuition in this country.” Asked if he could rule out ever supporting fees if he is leader, he replied: “Yes.”
The North East MSP also said he is a republican who would vote for an elected head of state if there was a referendum. He said: “It’s because I am socialist. I believe in equality. I believe every job should be open to anyone. The monarchy represents the class system.”
Marra is going head-to-head against fellow MSP Joe Fagan in the race to succeed Anas Sarwar.
