** Exclusive ** Interview with John McNamee

Last Sunday I broke the story about Cllr John McNamee defecting from Labour to the SNP. Since then there have been some stories about why he left the SNP and various attacks on his character.

I offered John the chance to tell us what was really going on in the SNP and why he left and I am delighted that he agreed. Here is what he said, the questions are all mine:

1. What was it that made you disillusioned with the SNP?

I have becoming increasing disillusioned with the SNP for sometime now. The big thing is that I have come to the conclusion that Independence is not a good choice for Scotland. The Global Financial Crisis has put into sharp focus the inherent problems that small nations face. I also feel in an increasingly Globalised age where countries and organisations are working together, then to take a regressive step backwards and divorce ourselves from a rich social and economic union with the rest of the United Kingdom would be simply wrong. The SNP’s decision to axe GARL is another example of not sticking up for the West of Scotland, sadly political considerations have went before the needs of those in the West.

2. Do many of your ex-colleagues privately agree with you on GARL and the concordat?

Absolutely! It’s very sad that the party machinery crushes free and open debate in SNP, particularly on the issue of GARL in the West Coast of Scotland. Also, I think ordinary members were disappointed that Glasgow SNP MSP’s never took the opportunity to stand up for Glasgow and the West of Scotland.

3. The SNP seems incredibly loyal from the outside. Are councillors and MSP’s privately getting angry with the lack of support for independence?

I would say that the Nationalists are taking an increasingly gradualist approach to their big policy platform. This is having a huge impact on the morale of the ordinary party member. Elected Members of the Party have to hold the line publicly but there are private misgivings about the party’s ability to appease the base of the party for much longer.


4. Within local government there are reports of SNP groups being bitterly divided, is there any truth in this?

It gives me no pleasure at all to confirm that SNP Council groups are incredibly divided. The main problem is there is nothing that unites them. All SNP Members joined the party to campaign for Scottish Independence. At Local Government Level that is simply never going to happen, unless of course a SNP Controlled Unitary Authority declares themselves Independent form the rest of Scotland.

In contrast to that, the Labour Party Council Groups across Scotland are united by a shared belief in equality for all members of society and believe passionately in a brighter future that promotes more opportunities across the broad spectrum of British Society.

6. Councillors and parliamentary researchers are often seen as a parties’ next generation of politicians, how would you rate the SNP’s councillors and activists?

Every Party has talented individuals. It would be wrong of me to unfairly criticise people who believe in something different from me, at the end of the day that is democracy in action, and I would have it no other way. All I can say is that I wish no ill feeling to any member of the SNP; I just hope that one day they see the light like I did!

7. Were there certain people within the Labour party that persuaded you to join?

I was persuaded by the Labour Group’s track record in South Lanarkshire. The leadership of Councillor Eddie McAvoy is first class, and I will be working hard to continue the delivery of exceptional services and facilities in the area.

8. There have been some stories about expenses issues and misconduct, is there any truth in these allegations?

The truth of the matter is a lot more boring than the press have made out. The misconduct issue refers to my Christmas Night Out at a Fire Event. I, like many Scots, had too much to drink and hold my hands up to this. It was foolish behaviour and I have personally apologised to all the relevant parties.

In terms of the expenses allegations from my former colleagues, they are being very mischievous and perhaps even libellous. The simple fact of the matter is that I have to attend a lot of events and meetings for my job and I don’t drive a car. So I use buses, trains and sometimes I use taxis depending on the meeting. I use taxis to my get to my surgeries because there is literally no other form of transport available to me at that time of night.

The actual claims have been very modest and every single one of them for approved Council Duties; in terms of the 67 Elected Members of South Lanarkshire Council I believe I rank below mid-table in the annual expenses total.

I have been very disappointed that the SNP have reacted so viciously against me when I told them I was leaving the party, for a party that wants to be in Government it is very distasteful behaviour.

9. What are your future ambitions within the party?

I don’t have any personal ambitions; I would just like to see a Scotland that is flourishing as part of a fairer Britain under Labour.