Lamb to the slaughter

OVER THE last few months I think it's become relatively clear that Wendy Alexander has wanted to quit her job as leader of the opposition.

Some commentators claimed that Alexander was ready to resign earlier this year, but Gordon Brown ordered her to stay in her post because the fall out from her resignation would have hurt Harriet Harman, who was also under investigation.

After her noble call to take the fight to the SNP over an independence referendum I think it's somewhat disappointing that she has been forced to resign. Sure, she clearly broke the rules, but I can't think of many individuals who have called for her to resign and public pressure has been non existent. It's therefore confusing as to why she chose to resign now.

Again, I think the only explanation lies with Number 10.

Unable to see that he is his party's greatest electoral liability, Brown obviously made a late night call to Alexander last night following the news that David Marshall was stepping down as MP for Glasgow East. Having witnessed shocking defeats in Henley and Crewe and Nantwich, Brown clearly wants to avoid another bloodbath in Glasgow - this time at the hands of the SNP who could realistically overturn Marshall's 13,507 majority. With all of Alexander's problems, Brown clearly believes that fresh blood could stop the rot. In fact, the symbolism of losing a Glasgow seat would be so devastating to Brown, that Labour could even take a sharp leftward turn and appoint Bill Butler MSP.

Losing in Glasgow would be a major blow to Brown, thus sacrificing Alexander has become necessary. However, as someone who likes observing competitive politics I think it's worth stating that Alexander - not matter what her shortfalls - is Labour's best hope of returning to power. Alexander's call for a referendum demonstrated that she was in touch with the Scottish electorate, contrary to her master down in Westminster.

I still believe Brown will pay a price and people will immediately regard Alexander's resignation as unnecessary, despite the cloud that has hung over her for the last few months. Alexander has been sacrificed to save Brown's skin in Glasgow and for publicly undermining him over calls for a referendum. As I stated earlier, she wanted to resign some time ago, but was blocked in order to stop the attention turning towards Harman.

It's a sacrifice that will most certainly backfire.