Since last year, when Scottish Labour lost its majority in Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament, things have gone from bad to worse for the party. As the Scottish National Party (SNP) extend their lead over Labour in opinion polls, Scottish Labour leader Wendy Alexander has been forced to resign because she failed to declare private donations at the correct time. A parliamentary committee investigated the irregularity and concluded tat Alexander should be suspended from parliament for one day. The Labour leader opted to resign from her office instead.

Alexander's resignation could have major and unforeseen consequences for Scottish Labour. The process of electing a new party leader has already begun. The most likely candidates are all former Scottish ministers: Andy Kerr, Iain Gray and Margaret Curran, as well as acting leader Cathy Jamieson. Although the policies of each of these potential candidates are not yet known, it will be particularly interesting to know what their stances on the independence referendum that the SNP, currently in power, is planning for 2010. This issue may well prove crucial for Labour if they are to avoid losing support in the next elections.

Crisis in Westminster?
Some sources are even suggesting that the crisis that is affecting Scottish Labour could soon impinge on the current British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. On 30 June The Scotsman website reported that some Labour MPs in Westminster believe that the Glasgow East by-election next July to replace Labour MP David Marshall (who is stepping down due to illness) will be crucial. If the SNP manage to take Glasgow East, some sources say that Brown will have no choice but to resign.

Further information:

• Scotsman.com: The by-election that could bring down Brown
• BBC: Curran considering leadership bid
• The Daily Record: Wide open race to succeed Wendy Alexander as Scottish Labour leader
• MónDivers: Plega la líder laborista escocesa que va demanar que es fes el referèndum
• Nationalia: Scottish Labour U-turn on independence referendum

Further information in Scotland profile.