Last weekend, politicos, politicians and Labour Party members spent a soggy weekend in Glasgow. Setting the stage for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections it gave a flavour of what’s to come from Labour, as the Party looked to set out their stall to the Scottish electorate. The conference strapline, a new direction, gives a flavour of what’s to come.
First; securing Scotland’s status on Energy.
In a fringe event on the future for GB Energy, Michael Shanks, the Westminster Energy Minister spoke about the skills and expertise of the Scottish energy sector. Harnessing these and creating a sense of ownership, he said, was key to the success of GB Energy.
Ahead of the July 2025 election, the creation of GB Energy polled high with the Scottish electorate. A shaky 7 months later, it’s unlikely to be the same as voters are inpatient for progress. Labour now need to show that their energy policies aren’t just about the push to Net Zero and structural changes but that they will also make the electorate better off. With this week’s energy price cap increase, this is now more urgent.
On Sunday morning, the Prime Minister made a start: backing a future for the Grangemouth refinery site with £200 million of UK Government money. Options for the future of the site include green energy production. With job and training guarantees as part of the project, Labour are aiming to guarantee the prosperity of the community for decades to come.
Grasping devolved issues with both hands
Announcements from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar included more care beds and GP appointments. Where Holyrood holds power – health, education, housing and the environment amongst others – expect Labour to draw clear dividing lines.
Reform voters on their mind
Reform’s rise in the polls damped the mood in Glasgow. In contrast to last year’s conference, where candidates were expectant and excited for their future, this year’s conference saw a lower mood as the scale of the task became clear. There is now a hill to climb, and the question for Scottish Labour will be how far to the right it shifts to counter reform, while fighting attacks from the SNP on the left.
Setting a new direction for Scotland takes time
What does this all mean? Expect to see energy security and GB Energy, policy areas set out by the Westminster Government championed heavily in Scotland over the next year.
Alongside this, Scottish Labour will be defining itself on the domestic agenda too. Where Holyrood has a role in policy making Labour will be presenting their alternatives.
As Scottish Labour’s manifesto is developed and implementation plans for Government (if the voters agree) set out, there will be opportunities for businesses to input into manifestos. Setting out alternative policies and lessons to be learned from the other nations of the UK will be key to engaging with Scottish Labour.
The manifesto development process will take three stages: engagement with members and the public, engagement with businesses and stakeholders, and preparing for Government.
by Emma Barnes