THE opposition at Holyrood started squabbling yesterday within minutes of a call for unity.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson was slapped down after issuing a statement saying she wanted “all opposition parties to find common cause” against the SNP when parliament resumes tomorrow.
However her statement was swiftly followed by one from LibDem leader Willie Rennie saying a “narrow Tory agenda” must not be allowed to determine the opposition’s approach.
Kezia Dugdale then said it was Labour’s responsibility to lead a “progressive opposition” to the SNP rather than step back for a “centre-right Conservative Party”.
Davidson, whose appeal to No voters in the election saw the Tories replace Labour as the main opposition, said she wanted a “Parliament with teeth”, with new powers for committee conveners and more questioning of ministers.
The Conservatives would “consult with other opposition parties in the coming days to form a consensus on the best way forward”, she said.
“Too often during the last parliament, bad laws were swept in thanks to the SNP majority. Now they are a minority administration, it puts parliament back in control.
"Some simple reforms now need to be considered – and I want all opposition parties to find common cause in putting those forward.”
But Rennie instead went on the attack, accusing the Tories of being interested in a “limited range” of priorities, such as repealing the new ‘Named Persons’ legislation.
“On issues like justice they are more likely to chase cheap headlines than push for reforms which help cut offending and reduce the number of Scots who are imprisoned.
“On education there is no indication that they will press for the urgent investment that is required to make our schools the best again.
“Scotland is an open, tolerant, liberal minded country and the Liberal Democrats will provide a strong liberal voice at Holyrood.”
Dugdale said Labour's priority in the coming parliament would be education and improving the results of poorer pupils.
“The Conservatives are in second place, but the SNP have lost their majority and will have to work with other parties to get their programme through.
“That means Labour, and our MSPs, will have a special responsibility in this next Parliament.
"The SNP have a choice of whether to use progressive votes or Conservative votes to secure their plans for Government.
“We will be a positive and effective opposition. We will hold the Government to account and hold them responsible for the decisions they make.”
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