Examine individual changes

'{{about|the Scottish politician|the astronomer and physicist|Johann von Lamont}} {{Short description|Scottish Labour politician}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}} {{Use British English|date=October 2019}} {{good article}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific-prefix = | name = Johann Lamont | honorific-suffix = [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] | image = JohannLamontMSP20110511.JPG | imagesize = 220px | caption = | office = [[Scottish Labour Party|Leader of the Scottish Labour Party]] | deputy = [[Anas Sarwar]] | term_start = 17 December 2011 | term_end = 24 October 2014 | predecessor = [[Iain Gray]] | successor = [[Jim Murphy]] | office1 = [[Scottish Labour Party|Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party]] | leader1 = [[Iain Gray]] | predecessor1 = [[Cathy Jamieson]] | successor1 = [[Anas Sarwar]] | term_start1 = 13 September 2008 | term_end1 = 17 December 2011 | office2 = [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]] <br/> for [[Glasgow Pollok (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Glasgow Pollok]] | majority2 = 623 (2.3%) | term_start2 = 6 May 1999 | term_end2 = 5 May 2016 | predecessor2 = [[Scotland Act 1998|Constituency created]] | successor2 = [[Humza Yousaf]] | office3 = [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]]<br />for [[Glasgow (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Glasgow]]<br />{{small|(1 of 7 Regional MSPs)}} | majority3 = | term_start3 = 5 May 2016 | term_end3 = | predecessor3 = | successor3 = | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1957|07|11|df=yes}} | birth_place = [[Glasgow]], Scotland | party = [[Labour and Co-operative]] | spouse = Archie Graham | children = 2 | alma_mater = [[University of Glasgow]] | profession = Teacher | religion = | signature = | footnotes = }} '''Johann MacDougall Lamont''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|dʒ|oː|æ|n|_|l|æ|m|ʌ|n|t}}; born 11 July 1957) is a Scottish politician, who was the Leader of the [[Scottish Labour Party]] from 2011-2014. She served as a junior minister in the [[Second McConnell government|Labour-Liberal Democrat]] coalition [[Scottish Executive]] from 2004 until the coalition's defeat by the [[Scottish National Party]] (SNP) in [[2007 Scottish Parliament election|2007]]. She was subsequently [[Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party|elected deputy leader]] of the opposition Labour group of MSPs in 2008, and was [[2011 Scottish Labour Party leadership election|elected to the leadership]] of the Scottish Labour Party in December 2011. She announced her resignation in October 2014, and following a [[2014 Scottish Labour Party leadership election|leadership election]] to replace her, was succeeded by former [[Secretary of State for Scotland]] [[Jim Murphy]] in December 2014. Born in [[Glasgow]], Lamont attended Woodside Secondary School and obtained a degree from the [[University of Glasgow]]. After studying for teaching qualifications at [[Jordanhill College]], she became a schoolteacher. Active in the Labour Party since she was at university, Lamont served on its Scottish Executive Committee, and chaired it in 1993. With the establishment of a devolved legislature in Scotland, she was elected as the [[Labour Co-operative]] [[Member of the Scottish Parliament]] (MSP) for [[Glasgow Pollok (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Glasgow Pollok]] in [[1999 Scottish Parliament election|1999]]. Having been appointed [[Chairman|convener]] of the Scottish Parliament's Social Justice Committee in 2001, she obtained her first ministerial role in October 2004. Her decision to stand for the Labour Party leadership followed the resignation of [[Iain Gray]] as leader in the wake of the party's defeat at the [[2011 Scottish Parliament election|2011 Scottish parliamentary election]]; its second consecutive defeat. Following [[Review of the Labour Party in Scotland|a review]] of how the Labour Party in Scotland is structured, she became its first overall leader. Lamont has been a campaigner on [[Social equality|equality]] issues and [[violence against women]] throughout her political career. Following the SNP Government's announcement of a [[2014 Scottish independence referendum|referendum on Scottish independence]] she was a key figure in the [[Better Together (campaign)|Better Together]] campaign; a cross-party movement that sought to keep Scotland part of the United Kingdom. Lamont believes that Labour lost the 2011 election because it had lost its direction, and initiated a review of Scottish Labour policy on issues like devolution and the party's commitment to free universal public services. Her work won her accolades at the [[Scottish Politician of the Year]] Awards, for Political Impact of the Year in 2012 and Debater of the Year in 2013. In Parliamentary debates she was perceived by commentators such as ''[[The Scotsman]]''{{'}}s Andrew Whitaker as being an effective opponent to [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] [[Alex Salmond]], but others, including [[Richard Seymour (writer)|Richard Seymour]] of ''[[The Guardian]]'', criticised her for clumsiness during television interviews. Lamont resigned as Scottish Labour leader in October 2014, making the announcement in a ''[[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]]'' interview in which she claimed that senior figures within the [[Labour Party (UK)|UK Labour Party]] had undermined her attempts to reform the Scottish party, and treated it "like a branch office of London". ==Early life and teaching career== Johann Lamont was born in the [[Anderston]] district of Glasgow on 11 July 1957.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/blog/entry/united-with-labour-launch-speech-by-johann-lamont-msp-leader-of-the-scottis |title=United with Labour launch – speech by Johann Lamont MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party |publisher=Scottish Labour Party |date=16 May 2013 |accessdate=19 November 2013 |quote=I was born a Glaswegian, in Anderston, with my heritage and values from Tiree. |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112165108/http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/blog/entry/united-with-labour-launch-speech-by-johann-lamont-msp-leader-of-the-scottis |archivedate=12 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name="SP"/> Her parents, Archie and Effie, were both [[Scottish Gaelic language|Gaelic]] speakers from [[crofting]] families on the [[Inner Hebrides|Inner Hebridean]] island of [[Tiree]], who met after both had moved to Glasgow.<ref name="SP">{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/currentmsps/27838.aspx |title=Johann Lamont – Personal Information |work=Current MSPs |publisher=[[The Scottish Parliament]] |accessdate=19 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120719133836/http://scottish.parliament.uk/msps/currentmsps/27838.aspx |archivedate=19 July 2012 }}</ref><ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09>{{cite news|last=Ross |first=Peter |url=http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/johann-lamont-on-life-labour-and-party-leadership-1-2960278 |title=Johann Lamont on life, Labour and party leadership |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=9 June 2013 |accessdate=24 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200359/http://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/johann-lamont-on-life-labour-and-party-leadership-1-2960278 |archivedate=29 October 2013 }}</ref> Archie was a carpenter employed by the Scottish ferry operator [[Caledonian MacBrayne]], working on the [[Mallaig]] to [[Skye]] route. He took part in the [[Seamen's Strike of 1966]].<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/> The family were [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterians]], and Lamont's mother was influenced in her faith by the American evangelist [[Billy Graham]].<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/><ref name=Holyrood-2014-09-16>{{cite news|first=Kate |last=Shannon |url=https://www.holyrood.com/articles/inside-track/double-act |title=Double act |publisher=Holyrood Communications |newspaper=Holyrood Magazine |date=16 September 2014 |accessdate=12 December 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203180415/https://www.holyrood.com/articles/inside-track/double-act |archivedate=3 February 2016 }}</ref> Her first experiences of public speakers was listening to the preachers her mother took her to see as a girl.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/> Lamont's childhood was divided between Glasgow and her mother's family home on Tiree, where she and her brother David spent their summer holidays.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/> She attended Woodside Secondary School, having declined to take scholarship exams for [[Selective school|selective education]].<ref name="parliament1">{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/currentmsps/27838.aspx |title=Personal Information |publisher=Scottish Parliament |accessdate=12 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027201137/http://scottish.parliament.uk/msps/currentmsps/27838.aspx |archivedate=27 October 2012 }}</ref><ref name=Holyrood-2009-06-12>{{cite news|last=Rhodes |first=Mandy |url=http://www.holyrood.com/2009/06/pollyanna-politics/ |title=Interview: Johann Lamont |work=Holyrood Magazine |publisher=Holyrood Communications |date=12 June 2009 |accessdate=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214153040/http://www.holyrood.com/2009/06/pollyanna-politics/ |archivedate=14 December 2013 }}</ref> Like her parents, she was a Gaelic speaker,<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/> but she did not believe she spoke it well enough, and she dropped it at school in favour of French and German.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/> It was also at school that she first developed an interest in politics, once entering a ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' competition with a politically-themed short story. The tale, whose central character discussed her intention to demand a pay rise and was finally revealed to be [[Elizabeth II|the Queen]], won Lamont third prize.<ref name=Herald-2014-08-24>{{cite news|first=Rosemary |last=Goring |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/johann-lamont.24980882 |title=Profile: Johann Lamont |newspaper=The Herald |publisher=Newsquest |date=24 August 2014 |accessdate=27 August 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916101418/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/johann-lamont.24980882 |archivedate=16 September 2014 }}</ref> She studied English and History at the [[University of Glasgow]], graduating with an [[MA (Scotland)|MA]].<ref name="parliament1"/> Joining the Labour Party in 1975, she was active in the [[Glasgow University Labour Club]] where she was a contemporary of fellow Labour politician [[Margaret Curran]], and was also involved with the [[Feminist movement|women's movement]].<ref name=Holyrood-2009-06-12/><ref>{{cite news|last=Rhodes |first=Mandy |url=http://www.holyrood.com/2011/11/maggie-maggie-maggie/ |title=Maggie, Maggie, Maggie |work=Holyrood Magazine |publisher=Holyrood Communications |date=28 November 2011 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |quote=Curran first became politically active in the Glasgow University Labour Club in the late 1970s where she forged a life-long friendship with Johann Lamont, the MSP now standing as a candidate to be Scottish Labour leader. |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002050/http://www.holyrood.com/2011/11/maggie-maggie-maggie/ |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref><ref name=BBC-2014-04-25/> She trained as a teacher for a year at [[Jordanhill College]], gaining a [[Postgraduate Certificate in Education]], and afterwards joined [[Rothesay Academy]], [[Isle of Bute]], as a teacher in 1979.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/><ref name=Guardian-2012-11-06/><ref name=TES-2012-02-03>{{cite news|url=http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6172529 |title=Johann Lamont |publisher=TSL Education Ltd |newspaper=Times Educational Supplement |date=3 February 2012 |accessdate=16 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214153748/http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6172529 |archivedate=14 December 2013 }}</ref> She taught at Springburn Academy in Glasgow from 1982 to 1989 and at [[Castlemilk High School]], also in Glasgow, from 1990 to 1999. Lamont taught English and worked with social workers and educational psychologists attempting to tackle instances of school truancy.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/><ref name=Guardian-2012-11-06>{{cite news|first=Peter |last=Hetherington |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/nov/06/johann-lamont-facing-scotland-choice |title=Johann Lamont: Facing up to Scotland's 'stark choice' |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=6 November 2012 |accessdate=24 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192214/http://www.theguardian.com/society/2012/nov/06/johann-lamont-facing-scotland-choice |archivedate=29 October 2013 }}</ref> Continuing to be active in the Labour Party, Lamont became a prominent campaigner on issues related to social justice, equality and devolution.<ref name=SLP-2011-12-07/> Although she had voted no in the [[1979 Scottish devolution referendum|1979 referendum]] that proposed the establishment of a [[Scottish Assembly]],<ref name=Scotsman-2012-01-30>{{cite news|first=Lesley |last=Riddoch |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/lesley-riddoch-popular-options-struck-off-agenda-1-2085498 |title=Popular options struck off agenda |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=30 January 2012 |accessdate=27 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026111514/http://www.scotsman.com/news/lesley-riddoch-popular-options-struck-off-agenda-1-2085498 |archivedate=26 October 2014 }}</ref> during the 1980s and 1990s she was a representative on the [[Scottish Constitutional Convention]], the body that paved the way for [[Scottish devolution]].<ref name=SLP-2011-12-07>{{cite news|quote=She represented the Labour Party in the Scottish Constitutional Convention |url=http://ablab.org.uk/argyll_bute_news.php?item_id=95421 |title=New Scottish Labour leader |work=Argyll and Bute Labour News |publisher=Scottish Labour Party |date=17 December 2011 |accessdate=22 February 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225213306/http://ablab.org.uk/argyll_bute_news.php?item_id=95421 |archivedate=25 February 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmpolcon/c371-iv/c37101.htm |title=Oral evidence taken before the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee: Do we need a constitution convention for the UK? |publisher=Parliament.co.uk |date=4 October 2012 |accessdate=22 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226135143/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmpolcon/c371-iv/c37101.htm |archivedate=26 February 2014 }}</ref> Of her 1979 decision, Lamont has said that she "came from the strand on the left which saw the politics of nationalism as a diversion from more central aims [but later] came to see the parliament as a vehicle for democratic change in Scotland."<ref name=Scotsman-2012-01-30/> She was a member of the [[Scottish Labour Party#Scottish Executive Committee|Scottish Executive Committee]] of the Labour Party, serving as chair in 1993.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=9538 |title=Johann Lamont Biography |publisher=Glasgow City Council |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113190701/http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=9538 |archivedate=13 November 2013 }}</ref> ==MSP for Glasgow Pollok== Although a Labour activist for two decades, Lamont had not sought election to the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] during that time, telling a 2014 BBC interview there were few chances for women to be elected to Westminster: "In 1987 Labour sent down 50 MPs and only one of them was a woman."<ref name=BBC-2014-04-25>{{cite news|last=Taylor |first=Marianne |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26961770 |work=BBC News |title=Johann Lamont: From the heat of the classroom to the heart of Scottish politics |publisher=BBC |date=25 April 2014 |accessdate=25 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004005829/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26961770 |archivedate=4 October 2014 }}</ref> Instead, her decision to seek political office was influenced by the creation of the [[Scottish Parliament]]. Speaking to ''[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]'' in 2011, she said, "It is easy to forget what a great opportunity it was for women and I was determined that women would be represented, would have a strong voice."<ref>{{cite news|first=Calum |last=Macdonald |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/background/labour-leadership-race-johann-lamont-qa.2011118769 |title=Labour leadership race: Johann Lamont Q&A |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=30 November 2011 |accessdate=24 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030014144/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/background/labour-leadership-race-johann-lamont-qa.2011118769 |archivedate=30 October 2013 }}</ref> The parliament was [[Scotland Act 1998|established]] as a result of the [[1997 Scottish devolution referendum|1997 referendum]] that saw a 74% vote in favour of devolving legislative powers to Scotland.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.johannlamontmsp.co.uk/what-an-msp-does/ |title=Johann Lamont: MSP for Glasgow Pollok: FAQs |publisher=Johann Lamont MSP |accessdate=29 April 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140205035414/http://www.johannlamontmsp.co.uk/what-an-msp-does/ |archivedate=5 February 2014 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Lamont was first elected as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for [[Glasgow Pollok (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Glasgow Pollok]] in [[1999 Scottish Parliament election|1999]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/31728.aspx |title=Johann Lamont – MSPs |publisher=Scottish Parliament |accessdate=3 January 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130202062415/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/31728.aspx |archivedate=2 February 2013 }}</ref> She held the seat in [[2003 Scottish Parliament election|2003]], when she faced a strong challenge from the [[Scottish Socialist Party]] leader [[Tommy Sheridan]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/vote2003/scottish_parliament/html/271.stm |title=Vote 2003: Scottish Parliament election: Glasgow Pollok |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=May 2003 |accessdate=26 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040421070142/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/vote2003/scottish_parliament/html/271.stm |archivedate=21 April 2004 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/andrew-whitaker-salmond-s-great-giveaway-is-a-lie-1-2555680 |first=Andrew |last=Whitaker |title=Salmond's great giveaway is a lie |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=30 September 2012 |accessdate=26 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029191244/http://www.scotsman.com/news/andrew-whitaker-salmond-s-great-giveaway-is-a-lie-1-2555680 |archivedate=29 October 2013 }}</ref> and then again in [[2007 Scottish Parliament election|2007]] and [[2011 Scottish Parliament election|2011]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2007/scottish_parliment/html/271.stm |title=Election 2007: Scottish Parliament Election Result: Glasgow Pollok |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=4 May 2007 |accessdate=26 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070907011738/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/vote2007/scottish_parliment/html/271.stm |archivedate=7 September 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/election2011/constituency/html/36109.stm |work=BBC News |title=Election 2011: Scotland: Glasgow Pollok |publisher=BBC |date=11 May 2011 |accessdate=26 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131011151506/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/special/election2011/constituency/html/36109.stm |archivedate=11 October 2013 }}</ref> During her maiden speech on 17 May 1999, Lamont was the first MSP to use Gaelic at a sitting of the Parliament.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/><ref name=parliament2/><ref name=Parliament-2009-01-29>{{cite news|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=4844&mode=html |title=Official Report Debate Contributions: Plenary, 29 January 2009 |publisher=Scottish Parliament |date=29 January 2009 |accessdate=20 November 2013 |quote=I have the honour of contributing a very small footnote to the history of this young Parliament—indeed, to the history of the Scottish Parliament in general—as I was the first person to speak in a debate in the Scottish Parliament in the proud language of my forebears. |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202231705/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=4844&mode=html |archivedate=2 December 2013 }}</ref> She served on a number of [[Committees of the Scottish Parliament|the Parliament's committees]] during her first term in office, including the Equal Opportunities Committee, the Local Government Committee and the Social Justice Committee.<ref name=parliament2>{{cite news|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/31728.aspx |title=Johann Lamont |publisher=Scottish Parliament |accessdate=20 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029185534/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msps/31728.aspx |archivedate=29 October 2013 }}</ref> She became convener of the Social Justice Committee in 2001.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/labour-convener-quits-after-conflict-of-interest-claims-1.202920 |title=Labour convener quits after conflict of interest claims |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=11 January 2001 |accessdate=30 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150302184553/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/labour-convener-quits-after-conflict-of-interest-claims-1.202920 |archivedate=2 March 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1106190.stm |title=MSP resigns over 'conflict of interest' |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=11 January 2001 |accessdate=30 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021202094928/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/1106190.stm |archivedate=2 December 2002 }}</ref> In 2000 she became the first Labour MSP to rebel against the Labour-led administration when she threatened to lead backbenchers in voting against a planned Scottish Executive attempt to block the [[Abolition of Poindings and Warrant Sales Act 2001|Abolition of Poindings and Warrant Sales Bill]], which had been introduced by Sheridan. The move resulted in the withdrawal of the amendment, and a crucial parliamentary vote in favour of the legislation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/727429.stm |title=Green light for warrant sales Bill |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=27 April 2000 |accessdate=8 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030409190520/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/727429.stm |archivedate=9 April 2003 }}</ref> At a session of [[First Minister's Questions]] in 2002, she narrowly avoided becoming the first MSP to be ejected from the parliament after continuing to speak when [[Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament|Presiding Officer]] [[David Steel]] had told her to sit down. Steel felt her [[supplementary question]] about youth crime was too long, but the incident led to a heated parliamentary debate, and accusations from Lamont's colleague, Labour's [[Helen Eadie]] that the Presiding Officer was not treating male and female MSPs equally, an allegation he rejected.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/sir-david-in-showdown-with-msp-who-defied-his-orders-1.152082 |title=Sir David in showdown with MSP who defied his orders |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=26 April 2002 |accessdate=29 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529175930/http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/sir-david-in-showdown-with-msp-who-defied-his-orders-1.152082 |archivedate=29 May 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/political-digest-1-504714 |title=Political Digest |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=26 April 2002 |accessdate=30 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502000744/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/political-digest-1-504714 |archivedate=2 May 2014 }}</ref> ==Frontbench politics== Lamont was appointed convener of the Communities Committee in 2003.<ref>{{cite news|last=Knox |first=John |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2970684.stm |title=Holyrood rises to meet Queen |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=7 June 2003 |accessdate=7 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040615090827/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/2970684.stm |archivedate=15 June 2004 }}</ref> In March 2004 the Committee endorsed a bill aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour, which included plans for parenting orders and the electronic tagging of youths under the age of 16.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3535601.stm |title=Unruly behaviour plans backed |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=5 March 2004 |accessdate=7 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040606154917/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3535601.stm |archivedate=6 June 2004 }}</ref> First Minister [[Jack McConnell]] made her [[Deputy Minister for Communities]] in the [[Scottish Executive]] in October 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3720184.stm |title=Holyrood gives reshuffle backing |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=6 October 2004 |accessdate=7 November 2013}}</ref> In that post she was responsible for the launch of a radio and television advertising campaign aimed at tackling domestic abuse that aired over Christmas 2005,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4552290.stm |title=Festive warning on domestic abuse |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=25 December 2005 |accessdate=8 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321065742/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4552290.stm |archivedate=21 March 2008 }}</ref> and she expressed concerns over the level of discrimination faced by [[Scottish Gypsy and Traveller groups|travellers and gypsies]] after the issue was highlighted in a 2005 Scottish Parliament report.<ref name=BBC-2011-11-03>{{cite news|last=Black |first=Andrew |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15572350 |work=BBC News |title=Who were the Scottish Labour leadership candidates? |publisher=BBC |date=3 November 2011 |accessdate=8 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316125246/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15572350 |archivedate=16 March 2012 }}</ref> In November 2006, Lamont was appointed [[Deputy Minister for Justice]]<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6147560.stm |title=Henry new minister for education |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=14 November 2006 |accessdate=7 November 2013}}</ref> and oversaw reforms to Scotland's Lower Courts system.<ref name=BBC-2011-11-03/> She held the post until Labour was defeated at the 2007 election.<ref name=Guardian-2012-11-06/> McConnell appointed her as Labour's spokesperson for [[Minister for Communities and Sport|Communities and Sport]] in his post-election frontbench team,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/may/18/scotland.devolution |title=Former minister returns to join Scottish shadow cabinet |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 May 2007 |accessdate=25 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203020427/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2007/may/18/scotland.devolution |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref> a role she retained in the shadow cabinet formed by his successor, [[Wendy Alexander]], in September 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6718741.stm |title=Labour front bench at-a-glance |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=14 September 2007 |accessdate=24 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906172938/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6718741.stm |archivedate=6 September 2007 }}</ref> Following Alexander's decision to step down as leader of the Labour MSPs in June 2008, and [[Cathy Jamieson]]'s subsequent resignation as her deputy, Lamont stood against fellow MSP [[Bill Butler (politician)|Bill Butler]] for the position vacated by Jamieson. She was [[2008 Scottish Labour Party deputy leadership election|elected as deputy leader]] in September 2008 with 60.16 percent of the vote, against 39.82 percent for Butler. At the same time, [[Iain Gray]] was [[2008 Scottish Labour Party leadership election|elected to lead]] the Labour group at Holyrood.<ref>{{cite book|title= The Strange Death of Labour in Scotland|first= Gerry|last= Hassan|first2= Eric|last2= Shaw|publisher= Edinburgh University Press|year= 2012|page= 136|isbn=978-0-7486-4002-7}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7614081.stm |title=Gray becomes Scots Labour leader |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=13 September 2008 |accessdate=7 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090311082742/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7614081.stm |archivedate=11 March 2009 }}</ref> In addition to her deputy leadership role, Lamont was appointed Chief of Staff with special responsibility for Equalities.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/gray-announces-shadow-cabinet-1-1273292 |title=Gray announces shadow cabinet |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=16 September 2008 |accessdate=16 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417043712/http://www.scotsman.com/news/gray-announces-shadow-cabinet-1-1273292 |archivedate=17 April 2014 }}</ref> While in that post she gave her support to Scottish Government plans to introduce a Bill outlawing [[forced marriage]], which was announced in September 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11442851 |work=BBC News |title=Bill aims to end forced marriages in Scotland |publisher=BBC |date=30 September 2010 |accessdate=16 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417005610/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-11442851 |archivedate=17 April 2014 }}</ref> In February 2011, she criticised [[Scottish Conservative Party|Scottish Conservative]] MSP and Justice Committee Convener, [[Bill Aitken (politician)|Bill Aitken]] after the ''[[Sunday Herald]]'' quoted him making a controversial statement about a rape victim,<ref>{{cite news|first=Samira |last=Shackle |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/02/rape-street-lane-aitken |title=Alex Salmond lambasts Scottish MSP over rape comments |publisher=Progressive Media International |work=New Statesman |date=16 February 2011 |accessdate=16 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417102011/http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/the-staggers/2011/02/rape-street-lane-aitken |archivedate=17 April 2014 }}</ref> and later welcomed his subsequent resignation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-12523144 |work=BBC News |title='Rape remark' MSP Bill Aitken resigns from committee |publisher=BBC |date=21 February 2011 |accessdate=16 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110508054322/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-12523144 |archivedate=8 May 2011 }}</ref> As Gray's deputy Lamont also represented Labour at First Minister's Questions in his absence. At a session of First Minister's Questions in October 2009, she raised the issue of the [[Scottish Futures Trust]] with [[Deputy First Minister of Scotland|Deputy First Minister]] [[Nicola Sturgeon]], asking whether the [[Government-owned corporation|public body]] planned to spend any money on improving school infrastructure before the 2011 election.<ref>{{cite news|first=Alan |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/alancochrane/6251614/The-curious-case-of-Roseanna-Cunningham-and-Prince-Charles.html |title=The curious case of Roseanna Cunningham and Prince Charles |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=1 October 2009 |accessdate=16 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140521093147/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/alancochrane/6251614/The-curious-case-of-Roseanna-Cunningham-and-Prince-Charles.html |archivedate=21 May 2014 }}</ref> ==Leader of the Scottish Labour Party== ===Leadership election=== In the wake of Labour's second defeat at the Scottish Parliament election of May 2011, which saw the [[Scottish National Party]] (SNP) form its first majority government, Gray announced his intention to step down as leader of the Labour MSPs later that year.<ref name=BBC-2011-12-17/> [[Review of the Labour Party in Scotland|A review]] chaired by [[Jim Murphy]] and [[Sarah Boyack]] into the party's structure in Scotland subsequently concluded that the next leader should lead the entire [[Scottish Labour Party]] rather than just its MSPs, as previous leaders had.<ref name=BBC-2011-12-17/><ref>{{cite news|first=Tom |last=Gordon |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/three-in-battle-to-be-labours-chief-back-public-sector-strikes-over-pension-changes.15567518 |title=Three in battle to be Labour's chief back public sector strikes over pension changes |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=29 October 2011 |accessdate=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105155938/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/three-in-battle-to-be-labours-chief-back-public-sector-strikes-over-pension-changes.15567518 |archivedate=5 November 2013 }}</ref><ref name=Telegraph-2011-12-17>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/8963078/Johann-Lamont-elected-as-new-Scottish-Labour-leader.html |title=Johann Lamont elected as new Scottish Labour leader |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=17 December 2011 |accessdate=25 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207075231/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/8963078/Johann-Lamont-elected-as-new-Scottish-Labour-leader.html |archivedate=7 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Paul |last=Hutcheon |first2=Tom |last2=Gordon |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/lamont-fails-to-maintain-key-labour-strategy-group.19011164 |title=Lamont fails to maintain key Labour strategy group |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=29 September 2012 |accessdate=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106004932/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/lamont-fails-to-maintain-key-labour-strategy-group.19011164 |archivedate=6 November 2013 }}</ref> Lamont declared her candidacy for the [[2011 Scottish Labour Party leadership election|leadership election]] in September 2011<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-14774433 |title=Johann Lamont to run for Scottish Labour leadership |date=3 September 2011 |work=BBC News |accessdate=25 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120174207/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-14774433 |archivedate=20 January 2012 }}</ref> and launched her campaign on 7 November at [[Stirling University]].<ref name=BBC-2011-11-07>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15617331 |work=BBC News |title=Lamont launches Scottish Labour Party leader bid |publisher=BBC |date=7 November 2011 |accessdate=25 October 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102162222/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15617331 |archivedate=2 January 2012 }}</ref> She told delegates that Labour needed to reengage with the electorate if it wanted to govern again: "We must listen and learn, show humility and seek again to talk for and to people's ambitions and concerns. Our real challenge is that we in Labour lost our way, lost our confidence and lost Scotland."<ref name=BBC-2011-11-07/> Lamont's opponents in the leadership race were the MP [[Tom Harris (British politician)|Tom Harris]], and her fellow MSP [[Ken Macintosh]], both of whom had also expressed a need for Labour to change if it was to win the next election.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peterkin |first=Tom |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/tom-harris-warns-scottish-labour-could-become-an-irrelevance-1-1938193 |title=Tom Harris warns Scottish Labour could become an 'irrelevance' |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=29 October 2011 |accessdate=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105145203/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/tom-harris-warns-scottish-labour-could-become-an-irrelevance-1-1938193 |archivedate=5 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15763854 |work=BBC News |title=Johann Lamont takes leadership 'lead' |publisher=BBC |date=16 November 2011 |accessdate=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230044126/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-15763854 |archivedate=30 December 2011 }}</ref> Harris's campaign centred on the belief that Labour had to "[re-establish] itself as the party of aspiration", or it would risk becoming "an irrelevance".<ref name=Scotsman-2011-10-29>{{cite news|last=Peterkin |first=Tom |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/tom-harris-warns-scottish-labour-could-become-an-irrelevance-1-1938193 |title=Tom Harris warns Scottish Labour could become an 'irrelevance' |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=29 October 2011 |accessdate=23 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105145203/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/tom-harris-warns-scottish-labour-could-become-an-irrelevance-1-1938193 |archivedate=5 November 2013 }}</ref> McIntosh felt the party had focussed too heavily on its traditional support in the [[Central Belt]] while paying less attention to rural communities.<ref name=Scotsman-2011-10-29/> He suggested increasing government help to tackle unemployment among young people, and wanted to [[Nationalization|nationalise]] rail and bus services.<ref name=Scotsman-2011-10-29/> The result of the election was announced on 17 December 2011 and saw Lamont secure an overall majority with 51.77% of the vote in the first round. Her closest rival was Macintosh with 40.28%, while Harris was third with 7.95%. Lamont also won majorities in two groups of Labour's three-tier electoral college system, securing the support of parliamentarians and affiliated bodies such as trade unions. Macintosh was backed by the majority of individual party members.<ref name=BBC-2011-12-17>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-16217972 |title=Johann Lamont named new Scottish Labour leader |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=17 December 2011 |accessdate=17 December 2011 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111217013556/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-16217972 |archivedate=17 December 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/new-scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont-unveils-her-first-appointments-1-2016092 |title=New Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont unveils her first appointments |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=19 December 2014 |accessdate=26 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026150008/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/new-scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont-unveils-her-first-appointments-1-2016092 |archivedate=26 October 2014 }}</ref> In her acceptance speech, Lamont told party activists, "Together we will change the Scottish Labour Party and win the chance to serve the people of Scotland again and make Scotland all that we know it can be."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.scotsman.com/news/johann_lamont_announced_as_new_scottish_labour_leader_1_2014231?commentspage=2 |title=Johann Lamont announced as new Scottish Labour leader |newspaper=The Scotsman |publisher=Johnston Press |date=17 December 2011 |accessdate=4 December 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104220311/http://m.scotsman.com/news/johann_lamont_announced_as_new_scottish_labour_leader_1_2014231?commentspage=2 |archivedate=4 November 2013 }}</ref> On the same day, MP [[Anas Sarwar]] was elected to the position of Deputy that Lamont had vacated.<ref name=BBC-2011-12-17/> ===Shadow Cabinet=== Lamont began appointing members of her [[Shadow Cabinet (Scottish Parliament)|shadow cabinet]] on 19 December 2011. Those given positions on her initial frontbench team include Macintosh (Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth), [[Hugh Henry]] (Labour spokesman for Education and Lifelong Learning), [[Lewis Macdonald]] (Shadow Justice Minister) and Boyack (Local Government and Planning). The post of Shadow Health Minister was given to [[Jackie Baillie]], who had held the position previously.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/289087-new-scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont-unveils-front-bench/ |title=New Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont unveils front-bench |work=STV News |publisher=STV |date=19 December 2011 |accessdate=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105153820/http://news.stv.tv/politics/289087-new-scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont-unveils-front-bench/ |archivedate=5 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-16241779 |work=BBC News |title=Johann Lamont hands finance role to rival Ken Macintosh |publisher=BBC |date=19 December 2011 |accessdate=5 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113223226/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-16241779 |archivedate=13 January 2012 }}</ref> Gray was not included, as he had expressed a wish to take a break from frontline politics.<ref>{{cite news|first=Angus |last=Macleod |url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/scotland/article3263464.ece |title=Lamont puts experience first in Cabinet selection |publisher=News International |newspaper=The Times|date=20 December 2011 |accessdate=5 November 2013}}</ref> Lamont announced a major shakeup of the Labour frontbench team on 28 June 2013. Gray returned to replace Macintosh as the party's finance spokesman. Macdonald was appointed chief whip, and his previous role as Shadow Justice Minister was given to [[Graeme Pearson]]. Baillie was moved from Health to Social Justice and Welfare. Boyack kept her role in Local Government and Planning.<ref name=BBC-2013-06-28>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-23102607 |work=BBC News |title=Johann Lamont in Scottish Labour front bench shake-up |publisher=BBC |date=28 June 2013 |accessdate=29 June 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701212530/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-23102607 |archivedate=1 July 2013 }}</ref> Speaking about the reshuffle, Lamont said, "We have made a great deal of progress in the last 18 months but we have to keep moving forward."<ref name=BBC-2013-06-28/> ===First months in office=== Lamont gave her first post-election interview to ''[[The Politics Show Scotland]]'' on 18 December 2011, speaking of the "huge challenge" of rebuilding public trust in Scottish Labour after its election defeat of the previous May, and a general decline in support over the preceding decade.<ref name=Guardian-2011-12-18>{{cite news|first=Severin |last=Carrell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/dec/18/scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont |title=Scottish Labour faces huge challenge, says new leader Johann Lamont |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 December 2011 |accessdate=23 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203070115/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2011/dec/18/scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref> Attributing the party's losses to its failure to engage with the electorate, she told the programme that Labour needed to speak up for the interests of the Scottish people, and accept more devolved powers for the Scottish Parliament.<ref name=Guardian-2011-12-18/> Attending her first session of [[First Minister's Questions]] as Labour leader on 22 December 2011, she addressed the issue of child neglect following the conviction of a Glasgow woman for the murder of her son and asking what lessons could be learned from the case.<ref name=BBC-2011-12-22>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16304511 |work=BBC News |title=Last first minister's questions of the year |publisher=BBC |date=22 December 2011 |accessdate=8 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320005944/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16304511 |archivedate=20 March 2012 }}</ref> In January 2012, as the SNP Government prepared for a referendum on Scottish independence, she spoke out in defence of Scotland's position in the United Kingdom after First Minister Salmond claimed that the country was not an equal partner in the union.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16733113 |work=BBC News |title=Labour's Johann Lamont disagrees with SNP's Alex Salmond |publisher=BBC |date=25 January 2012 |accessdate=18 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131044723/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16733113 |archivedate=31 January 2012 }}</ref> Along with [[Ruth Davidson]] and [[Willie Rennie]], the respective leaders of the Scottish Conservatives and the [[Scottish Liberal Democrats]], and Deputy First Minister Sturgeon, Lamont added her signature to a February 2012 letter urging [[Glasgow City Council]] to decline an application by the [[Scottish Defence League]] to stage a march through the city.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-16869704 |work=BBC News |title=Party leaders unite against Scottish Defence League march |publisher=BBC |date=3 February 2012 |accessdate=18 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104163740/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-16869704 |archivedate=4 November 2012 }}</ref> The group, an offshoot of the [[far-right politics|far-right]] [[English Defence League]], subsequently withdrew their application, and a "static" demonstration was held instead.<ref>{{cite news|first=Megan |last=Wells |url=http://www.journal-online.co.uk/article/8647-scotlands_politicians_unite_against_sdl_march |newspaper=The Journal |title=Scotland's politicians unite against SDL march |publisher=The Edinburgh Journal Ltd |date=15 February 2012 |accessdate=20 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112184136/http://www.journal-online.co.uk/article/8647-scotlands_politicians_unite_against_sdl_march |archivedate=12 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17164967 |work=BBC News |title=SDL holds demonstration in St Enoch Square, Glasgow |publisher=BBC |date=25 February 2012 |accessdate=18 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130809161953/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-17164967 |archivedate=9 August 2013 }}</ref> Lamont gave her first conference speech as party leader at Scottish Labour's conference in March 2012, setting out an agenda for rebuilding confidence in the party.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tom |last=Gordon |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/target-salmond.1330830213 |title=Target Salmond |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=4 March 2012 |accessdate=18 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203061048/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/target-salmond.1330830213 |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref> Later the same month she welcomed the passing of the [[Scotland Act 2012|Scotland Bill]], which devolved further powers to Scotland in accordance with the recommendations of the [[Calman Commission]], praising it as "an important development of devolution".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17458231 |work=BBC News |title=Holyrood to be given new income tax and borrowing powers |publisher=BBC |date=21 March 2012 |accessdate=18 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140710080731/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17458231 |archivedate=10 July 2014 }}</ref> In May 2012 she participated in the Scottish Parliament debate paying tribute to [[Elizabeth II|Queen Elizabeth]] as the UK celebrated her [[Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II|Diamond Jubilee]]. Lamont commented, "60 years in the one job is good going&nbsp;– I've been in this one for just six months and some days, I have to say, it feels like 60 years&nbsp;– so we recognise the scale of the achievement of the particular, very strong woman."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-18264361 |work=BBC News |title=Salmond leads Holyrood Diamond Jubilee tributes |publisher=BBC |date=30 May 2012 |accessdate=18 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531232914/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-18264361 |archivedate=31 May 2012 }}</ref> Lamont was a guest on the 7 June 2012 edition of the BBC's political debate programme ''[[Question Time (TV series)|Question Time]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.northern-times.co.uk/News/Question-Time-broadcast-from-Inverness-tomorrow-night-06062012.htm |title=Question Time broadcast from Inverness tomorrow night |newspaper=The Northern Times |publisher=Northern Times Ltd |date=6 June 2012 |accessdate=22 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203004642/http://www.northern-times.co.uk/News/Question-Time-broadcast-from-Inverness-tomorrow-night-06062012.htm |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref> ===Standing in the polls=== A poll conducted by [[Ipsos MORI]] in December 2011 as Lamont took control of Scottish Labour indicated that the party had an approval rating of 26%, almost half that of the Scottish National Party with 51%.<ref>{{cite news|last=Bolger |first=Andrew |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fc6d0e02-362b-11e1-a3fa-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2kv65G1pf |title=Unstoppable Salmond dominates politics in Scotland |publisher=Pearson PLC |newspaper=Financial Times |date=3 January 2012 |accessdate=17 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101041611/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/fc6d0e02-362b-11e1-a3fa-00144feabdc0.html |archivedate=1 November 2012 }}</ref> A survey by the same organisation in June 2012 showed an improvement for Labour, with 32% against the Nationalists' 45%.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jim |last=Smith |url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/108042-support-for-scottish-labour-increases-as-snps-dominance-wanes/ |title=Support for Scottish Labour 'increases as SNP's dominance wanes' |publisher=STV |work=STV News |date=26 June 2012 |accessdate=17 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108142325/http://news.stv.tv/politics/108042-support-for-scottish-labour-increases-as-snps-dominance-wanes/ |archivedate=8 January 2014 }}</ref> The same poll indicated a personal approval rating for Lamont of 9%, compared to 13% for Salmond.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/scotland/106970-opposition-seizes-on-poll-suggesting-downturn-in-support-for-independence/ |title=Opposition seizes on poll suggesting downturn in support for independence |publisher=STV |work=STV News |date=19 June 2012 |accessdate=17 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108140711/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/106970-opposition-seizes-on-poll-suggesting-downturn-in-support-for-independence/ |archivedate=8 January 2014 }}</ref> A poll conducted by Ipsos MORI on behalf of STV in September 2013 indicated that 37% of respondents were satisfied with Labour's performance compared to 41% for the SNP.<ref>{{cite news|first=Stephen |last=Daisley |url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/240014-holyrood-voting-poll-snp-on-top-while-labour-makes-gains/ |title=Holyrood voting poll: SNP on top while Labour makes gains |work=STV News |publisher=STV |date=19 September 2013 |accessdate=17 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003183404/http://news.stv.tv/politics/240014-holyrood-voting-poll-snp-on-top-while-labour-makes-gains/ |archivedate=3 October 2013 }}</ref> That survey found that Lamont had a personal approval rating of +6%, against +8% for Salmond.<ref>{{cite news|first=Eddie |last=Barnes |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/interview-johann-lamont-on-why-politics-is-no-game-1-3105784 |title=Interview: Johann Lamont on why politics is no game |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=22 September 2013 |accessdate=17 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108142005/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/interview-johann-lamont-on-why-politics-is-no-game-1-3105784 |archivedate=8 January 2014 }}</ref> Another Ipsos MORI poll for STV in December 2013 showed Labour on 34% with 36% for the SNP, while Lamont had overtaken Salmond in terms of personal approval with +9 for her compared to +7 for the First Minister.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2013/12/snp-continues-to-lead-but-labour-closes-the-gap/ |title=SNP continues to lead but Labour closes the gap |newspaper=The Edinburgh Reporter |date=10 December 2013 |accessdate=8 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108145542/http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2013/12/snp-continues-to-lead-but-labour-closes-the-gap/ |archivedate=8 January 2014 }}</ref> A poll on the issue of Scottish independence conducted by [[Taylor Nelson Sofres|TNS-BMRB]] in December 2013 gave Lamont an approval rating of 6% among women and 8% among men, compared with 22% and 30% respectively for Salmond. 41% of respondents to that survey were unaware of her role as Scottish Labour leader, a figure rising to 62% among those aged 16–34.<ref>{{cite news|last=Macnab |first=Scott |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-independence-poll-female-vote-favours-no-1-3237617 |title=Scottish independence poll: female vote favours No |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=18 December 2013 |accessdate=23 December 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220213155/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-independence-poll-female-vote-favours-no-1-3237617 |archivedate=20 December 2013 }}</ref> ===Local elections and by-elections=== Lamont launched Labour's [[2012 Scottish local elections|2012 local election]] campaign in Edinburgh on 17 April 2012, setting out policies for creating employment and training opportunities as well as improvements to education and childcare. Claiming that the SNP Government had passed on 89 percent of the [[United Kingdom government austerity programme|spending cuts]] imposed by the [[Government of the United Kingdom|UK Government]], she compared the Nationalists to [[Craig Whyte|the businessman]] criticised for his role in the [[Administration and liquidation of The Rangers Football Club Plc|financial collapse]] of [[Rangers F.C.|Glasgow Rangers Football Club]], saying, "Putting the SNP in charge of a council is like putting Craig Whyte in charge of your tax return."<ref name=BBC-2012-04-17>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17735989 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish Labour unveils council pledges |publisher=BBC |date=17 April 2012 |accessdate=19 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424235300/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17735989 |archivedate=24 April 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Scott |last=MacNab |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/council-elections-alex-salmond-is-craig-whyte-of-politics-labour-1-2239860 |title=Council elections: ‘Alex Salmond is Craig Whyte of politics’ – Labour |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=18 April 2012 |accessdate=19 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000529/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/council-elections-alex-salmond-is-craig-whyte-of-politics-labour-1-2239860 |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref> Retaining control of Glasgow City Council, where Labour was facing a strong challenge from the SNP, was another of the party's key objectives.<ref name=BBC-2012-04-17/> After the polls, political academic [[John Curtice]], writing for ''[[The Guardian]]'', observed that Lamont "has undoubtedly done enough to dispel doubts about whether she was the right woman for the job".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/04/scottish-local-elections-snp-labour |title=Scottish local elections: not good enough news for the SNP |first=John |last=Curtice |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=4 May 2012 |accessdate=19 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203002435/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/may/04/scottish-local-elections-snp-labour |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref> The [[2013 Dunfermline by-election]] was triggered by the resignation of the SNP's [[Bill Walker (Scottish nationalist politician)|Bill Walker]] in the wake of his conviction on several accounts of domestic abuse.<ref name=Telegraph-2013-10-23>{{cite news|first=Alan |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/10400760/Lamonts-prestige-at-stake-in-contest-Labour-dare-not-lose.html |title=Lamont's prestige at stake in contest Labour dare not lose |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=23 October 2013 |accessdate=19 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131027030441/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/10400760/Lamonts-prestige-at-stake-in-contest-Labour-dare-not-lose.html |archivedate=27 October 2013 }}</ref> On the eve of the poll, [[Alan Cochrane]] of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' described it as an election Labour could not afford to lose because, "For [Lamont's] personal prestige, her candidate simply must win."<ref name=Telegraph-2013-10-23/> Labour won the seat with a swing of 7 percent from the SNP and a majority of 2,873.<ref name=Telegraph-2013-10-25/> Lamont said that the result reflected "the progress we've made",<ref>{{cite news|first=Graham |last=Gibson |url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/politics/johann-lamont-hails-dunfermline-by-election-victory-as-very-positive-step-1.145994 |title=Johann Lamont hails Dunfermline by-election victory as 'very positive step' |newspaper=The Courier |publisher=D. C. Thomson & Co |date=26 October 2013 |accessdate=19 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131028050132/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/politics/johann-lamont-hails-dunfermline-by-election-victory-as-very-positive-step-1.145994 |archivedate=28 October 2013 }}</ref> but Curtice said that if the results were repeated across Scotland, the SNP would still be the majority party at the next election.<ref name=Telegraph-2013-10-25>{{cite news|last=Cramb |first=Auslan |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10404192/Comfortable-win-for-Labour-in-Dunfermline-by-election.html |title=Comfortable win for Labour in Dunfermline by-election |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=25 October 2013 |accessdate=19 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109083117/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/10404192/Comfortable-win-for-Labour-in-Dunfermline-by-election.html |archivedate=9 November 2013 }}</ref> Labour have also increased their support at other by-elections. At the [[2013 Aberdeen Donside by-election]] in June, held after the death of the SNP's [[Brian Adam]], Labour reduced the SNP majority from 7,789 to 2,025.<ref>{{cite news|first=James |last=Legge |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/alex-salmonds-snp-hold-on-to-holyrood-majority-in-aberdeen-donside-byelection-8668434.html |title=Alex Salmond's SNP hold on to Holyrood majority in Aberdeen Donside byelection |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=21 June 2013 |accessdate=8 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226174840/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/alex-salmonds-snp-hold-on-to-holyrood-majority-in-aberdeen-donside-byelection-8668434.html |archivedate=26 February 2014 }}</ref> The [[2014 Cowdenbeath by-election]] was held following the death of Labour MSP Helen Eadie.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/east-central/261532-scottish-labour-sees-off-snp-challenge-in-cowdenbeath-by-election/ |title=Scottish Labour sees off SNP challenge in Cowdenbeath by-election |work=STV News |publisher=STV |date=24 January 2014 |accessdate=26 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126023406/http://news.stv.tv/east-central/261532-scottish-labour-sees-off-snp-challenge-in-cowdenbeath-by-election/ |archivedate=26 January 2014 }}</ref> The campaign was fought on issues such as education, employment and care for the elderly, and saw Labour increase their share of the vote, with an 11.25 percent swing from the SNP and a majority of 5,488.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-25850599 |title=Cowdenbeath by-election: Alex Rowley holds seat for Labour |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=24 January 2014 |accessdate=26 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220015631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-25850599 |archivedate=20 February 2014 }}</ref> ===Scottish independence and enhanced devolution=== [[File:United with Labour launch.jpg|thumb|right|Lamont (second from right) alongside [[Anas Sarwar]], [[Gordon Brown]] and [[Margaret Curran]] at the launch of United with Labour]] Lamont was a prominent figure in the [[Better Together (campaign)|Better Together Campaign]], the cross-party political movement founded to keep Scotland as part of the United Kingdom following the SNP's announcement of a [[2014 Scottish independence referendum|referendum on Scottish independence]] in 2014.<ref name=BBC-2012-06-25>{{cite news|last=Black |first=Andrew |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-18581933 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish independence: Union fight unites auld enemies |publisher=BBC |date=25 June 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925160154/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-18581933 |archivedate=25 September 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Robbie |last=Dinwoodie |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/no-vote-campaign-launch-gives-citizens-centre-stage.17970805 |title=No vote campaign launch gives citizens centre stage |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=25 June 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114013926/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/no-vote-campaign-launch-gives-citizens-centre-stage.17970805 |archivedate=14 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Tom |last=Gordon |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/no-campaign-plans-weekend-war-to-ram-home-better-together-message.18625236 |title=No campaign plans weekend war to ram home Better Together message |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=18 August 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113152925/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/no-campaign-plans-weekend-war-to-ram-home-better-together-message.18625236 |archivedate=13 November 2013 }}</ref> She was outspoken in her opposition to Scottish independence, using a keynote speech at UK Labour's 2013 conference in [[Brighton]] to accuse the SNP of nurturing hostility between Scotland and the rest of the UK, and describing nationalism as a "virus that has affected so many nations and done so much harm".<ref>{{cite news|first=Simon |last=Johnson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10326926/Johann-Lamont-Referendum-a-chance-to-dispel-virus-of-nationalism.html |title=Johann Lamont: Referendum a chance to dispel 'virus' of nationalism |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 September 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102135006/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10326926/Johann-Lamont-Referendum-a-chance-to-dispel-virus-of-nationalism.html |archivedate=2 January 2014 }}</ref> Lamont is in favour of greater devolved powers for the Scottish Parliament, and established a Commission to look at how this can be achieved.<ref name=BBC-2012-03-03>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17246729 |work=BBC News |title=Bringing on the big beasts |publisher=BBC |date=3 March 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204192957/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17246729 |archivedate=4 February 2013 }}</ref><ref name=BBC-2012-10-09>{{cite news|last=Buchanan |first=Raymond |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19887685 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish Labour leader Lamont's new powers group meets for first time |publisher=BBC |date=9 October 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609074512/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19887685 |archivedate=9 June 2013 }}</ref> ====2014 referendum and Better Together campaign==== After taking office as Labour leader in December 2011, Lamont urged First Minister Salmond to set a date for the referendum, arguing in her leadership acceptance speech that uncertainty over the referendum's timeline was having a negative impact on Scotland.<ref name=BBC-2011-12-17/> On 10 January 2012 Salmond announced late 2014 as his preferred time for a referendum.<ref name=BBC-2012-01-10>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16478121 |work=BBC News |title=Salmond calls for independence referendum in 2014 |publisher=BBC |date=10 January 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009055158/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-16478121 |archivedate=9 October 2013 }}</ref> The Scottish Government confirmed the referendum question on 25 January 2012,<ref>{{cite news|last=Walker |first=Stephen |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16729961 |work=BBC News |title=Salmond sets out referendum question |publisher=BBC |date=25 January 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128151435/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16729961 |archivedate=28 January 2012 }}</ref> and announced on 21 March 2013 that the referendum would be held on 18 September 2014.<ref>{{cite news|first=Severin |last=Carrell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/mar/21/scottish-independence-referendum-date |title=Alex Salmond announces Scottish independence referendum date |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=21 March 2013 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114004334/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/mar/21/scottish-independence-referendum-date |archivedate=14 November 2013 }}</ref> Lamont told Scottish Labour's 2012 annual conference she wanted her party's campaign to be one of "collective leadership" against independence,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17236252 |work=BBC News |title=Lamont and Moore address independence in conference speeches |publisher=BBC |date=3 March 2012 |accessdate=13 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028222810/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17236252 |archivedate=28 October 2014 }}</ref> a strategy which she envisaged would become a cross-party movement arguing the case for keeping Scotland in the UK.<ref name=BBC-2012-03-03a/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17250895 |work=BBC News |title=Seeds planted for 'no' to independence campaign |publisher=BBC |date=4 March 2012 |accessdate=11 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610030319/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17250895 |archivedate=10 June 2013 }}</ref> At the Scottish Conservative Party conference a few weeks later, party leader Ruth Davidson called for Lamont and her opponents to work together.<ref>{{cite news|last=Black |first=Andrew |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17486620 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson in 'join me' plea to rival parties |publisher=BBC |date=24 March 2012 |accessdate=18 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610010006/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17486620 |archivedate=10 June 2013 }}</ref> The Better Together Campaign, fronted by former UK Government minister [[Alistair Darling]], was launched at an event attended by Lamont and other senior Scottish political figures at Edinburgh's [[Napier University]] on 25 June 2012.<ref name=BBC-2012-06-25/> Along with former British Prime Minister [[Gordon Brown]] and other senior Scottish Labour figures, Lamont launched the party's own pro-union campaign, [[United with Labour]] in May 2013.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/224940-labour-to-launch-own-campaign-to-keep-scotland-in-united-kingdom/ |title=Labour to launch own campaign to keep Scotland in United Kingdom |work=STV News |publisher=STV |date=12 May 2013 |accessdate=24 December 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224211228/http://news.stv.tv/politics/224940-labour-to-launch-own-campaign-to-keep-scotland-in-united-kingdom/ |archivedate=24 December 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/brown-joins-launch-of-labour-campaign-to-preserve-union.21056717 |title=Brown joins launch of Labour campaign to preserve Union |newspaper=The Herald |publisher=Newsquest |date=13 May 2013 |accessdate=24 December 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131225052710/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/brown-joins-launch-of-labour-campaign-to-preserve-union.21056717 |archivedate=25 December 2013 }}</ref> The Scottish Government published ''[[Scotland's Future]]'', a [[white paper]] setting out its vision for an independent Scotland, on 26 November 2013. Lamont dismissed it as "670 pages of assertion and uncertainty".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/scotland-25107344 |work=BBC News |title=Sturgeon says Scotland's Future now 'drives the debate' |publisher=BBC |date=26 November 2013 |accessdate=26 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129133853/http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/scotland-25107344 |archivedate=29 November 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Robbie |last=Dinwoodie |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/salmond-gets-ball-rolling-as-opponents-put-the-boot-in.22802221 |title=Salmond gets ball rolling as opponents put the boot in |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=27 November 2013 |accessdate=27 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131201064636/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/referendum-news/salmond-gets-ball-rolling-as-opponents-put-the-boot-in.22802221 |archivedate=1 December 2013 }}</ref> Addressing the [[Shadow Cabinet of Ed Miliband|Shadow Cabinet]] of UK Labour leader [[Ed Miliband]] on 28 January 2014, Lamont warned that Scots could vote for independence if they believed Labour was unlikely to win the [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 UK general election]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Simon |last=Johnson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10613105/Ed-Miliband-warned-Give-Scots-hope-of-Labour-win-or-they-may-back-independence.html |title=Ed Miliband warned: Give Scots hope of Labour win or they may back independence |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=2 February 2014 |accessdate=4 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314040558/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/10613105/Ed-Miliband-warned-Give-Scots-hope-of-Labour-win-or-they-may-back-independence.html |archivedate=14 March 2014 }}</ref> [[Opinion polling for the Scottish independence referendum, 2014|Opinion polls]] showed an increase in support for the Yes campaign as the referendum approached. On 8 September 2014, Gordon Brown set out plans for greater devolved powers for Holyrood in the event of a No vote. Lamont joined Ruth Davidson and Willie Rennie in giving her backing to the proposals the following day, but Salmond dismissed them as "a retreading, a repackaging, a re-timetabling" of previous promises. Prime Minister David Cameron and Opposition leader Ed Miliband cancelled their appearance at [[Prime Minister's Questions]] to travel to Scotland to campaign for a No vote.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29113547 |title=Scottish independence: Pro-Union parties back Scotland powers timetable |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=9 September 2014 |accessdate=9 September 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140908230511/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29113547 |archivedate=8 September 2014 }}</ref> On 18 September, Scotland voted to reject independence with a majority of 2,001,926 to 1,617,989.<ref name=BBC-2014-09-19>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-29287380 |title=Alex Salmond resignation: Politicians react to first minister's statement |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=19 September 2014 |accessdate=19 September 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919183504/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-29287380 |archivedate=19 September 2014 }}</ref> Salmond announced his intention to resign as First Minister and SNP leader on 19 September, shortly after the result of the referendum was confirmed. Lamont paid tribute to him, describing him as "an immense figure in Scottish political history".<ref name=BBC-2014-09-19/> Sturgeon was chosen to succeed Salmond as SNP leader on 15 October.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29618913 |title=Nicola Sturgeon to become new SNP leader |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=15 October 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141020231253/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29618913 |archivedate=20 October 2014 }}</ref> ====Labour's Commission on devolution==== At the Scottish Labour Party Conference in March 2012, Lamont announced her intention to establish a Commission to examine the prospect of a fully devolved Scottish Parliament.<ref name=BBC-2012-03-03/><ref name=BBC-2012-10-09/> This would give the Scottish Government the power to make decisions on policies relating to issues such as welfare benefits, income tax and corporation tax, effectively making it a fully self-governing region of the United Kingdom.<ref name=BBC-2012-03-03/> The Commission, chaired by Lamont and including politicians, academics and trade union members, met for the first time in October 2012.<ref name=BBC-2012-10-09/> It published an interim report in April 2013, recommending that Scotland have autonomy over income tax, but leaving decisions on corporation tax and welfare to [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|the UK Parliament]].<ref name=Telegraph-2013-04-19>{{cite news|first=Simon |last=Johnson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10003944/Labour-devolution-plan-could-lead-to-higher-taxes.html |title=Labour devolution plan 'could lead to higher taxes' |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=19 April 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101095800/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10003944/Labour-devolution-plan-could-lead-to-higher-taxes.html |archivedate=1 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Eddie |last=Barnes |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/johann-lamont-denies-appeasing-snp-1-2904016 |title=Johann Lamont denies 'appeasing' SNP |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=21 April 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225817/http://www.scotsman.com/news/johann-lamont-denies-appeasing-snp-1-2904016 |archivedate=2 December 2013 }}</ref> But party members opposed it, warning that the plans could threaten the [[Barnett formula]], the financial mechanism under which Scotland receives an annual average of £1,600 per head more in UK Government spending than does the rest of the UK.<ref name=Telegraph-2013-04-19/> [[Ian Davidson (British politician)|Ian Davidson]], chair of the [[Scottish Affairs Select Committee|House of Commons Scottish Affairs Select Committee]] said the proposals could affect spending in poorer areas.<ref name=Telegraph-2013-04-19/> Macintosh subsequently warned that devolving responsibility for income tax would reduce the Scottish [[tax base]] and result in independence by default,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/262738-labour-mp-warns-party-over-fragmentary-devolution-of-income-tax/ |title=Labour MP warns party over 'fragmentary' devolution of income tax |work=STV News |publisher=STV |date=3 February 2014 |accessdate=8 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222181652/http://news.stv.tv/politics/262738-labour-mp-warns-party-over-fragmentary-devolution-of-income-tax/ |archivedate=22 February 2014 }}</ref> a claim that Guy Lodge and Alan Trench of the [[Institute for Public Policy Research]] called "highly disingenuous" because income tax makes up only 23% of the taxes collected by the UK Government.<ref>{{cite news|first=Guy |last=Lodge |first2=Alan |last2=Trench |url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2014/02/labour-must-not-retreat-further-devolution-scotland |title=Labour must not retreat from further devolution to Scotland |publisher=Progressive Media International |work=New Statesman |date=7 February 2014 |accessdate=8 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209162557/http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/2014/02/labour-must-not-retreat-further-devolution-scotland |archivedate=9 February 2014 }}</ref> The Commission's final report, ''Powers for a Purpose'' was published on 18 March 2014, setting out recommendations that would be implemented if Scotland voted no in the referendum, and Labour were elected in 2015.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-03-18>{{cite news|last=Johnson |first=Simon |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10705731/Labour-unveils-devolution-plans-to-tax-rich-Scots.html |title=Labour unveils devolution plans to tax rich Scots |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 March 2014 |accessdate=18 March 2014}}</ref><ref name=Scotsman-2014-03-18>{{cite news|last=Whitaker |first=Andrew |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/labour-reveal-devolution-commission-findings-1-3344020 |title=Labour reveal Devolution Commission findings |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=18 March 2014 |accessdate=18 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318210440/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/labour-reveal-devolution-commission-findings-1-3344020 |archivedate=18 March 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Jones |first=Richard Wyn |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/news-opinion/richard-wyn-jones-beware-labour-6889132 |title=Beware a Labour Party that throws Wales to the wolves |publisher=Trinity Mirror |newspaper=Western Mail |date=28 March 2014 |accessdate=29 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329200817/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/news-opinion/richard-wyn-jones-beware-labour-6889132 |archivedate=29 March 2014 }}</ref> The proposals included allowing the Scottish Parliament to raise as much as 40% of its annual revenue, and giving it greater leeway to vary income tax rates from those in the rest of the UK.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26612193 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish independence: Campaigners mark six months to vote |publisher=BBC |date=18 March 2014 |accessdate=18 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319035337/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26612193 |archivedate=19 March 2014 }}</ref><ref name=STV-2014-03-18/> The plans would build on the powers devolved under the [[Scotland Act 2012|2012 Scotland Act]], which legislated for an increase in responsibility over taxation from 2016, in exchange for a 10% reduction in the grant received from Westminster.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-03-18/><ref name=STV-2014-03-18/><ref>{{cite news|first=Severin |last=Carrell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/mar/16/scottish-labour-tax-rise-higest-earners |title=Scottish Labour party plans tax increase for richest with new devolved powers |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=16 March 2014 |accessdate=18 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318101006/http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/mar/16/scottish-labour-tax-rise-higest-earners |archivedate=18 March 2014 }}</ref> The Commission also recommended devolving responsibility in some other fiscal areas, such as the payment of [[Housing Benefit]] and the possible levy of a [[mansion tax]] in Scotland, but decided against taking charge of other financial matters, including [[state pension]]s, [[National Insurance]] and tariffs on [[North Sea oil]].<ref name=Telegraph-2014-03-18/> Other proposals were to retain the Barnett formula, give Scotland control over its railways, and transfer authority for dissolving parliament and holding elections from Westminster to Holyrood.<ref name=Scotsman-2014-03-18/><ref name=STV-2014-03-18>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/scotland/268798-johann-lamont-unveils-scottish-labour-stance-on-more-devolution/ |title=Johann Lamont unveils Scottish Labour stance on more devolution |publisher=STV |work=STV News |date=18 March 2014 |accessdate=18 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318180833/http://news.stv.tv/scotland/268798-johann-lamont-unveils-scottish-labour-stance-on-more-devolution/ |archivedate=18 March 2014 }}</ref> Lamont described the proposals as "the right balance between fiscal accountability and insuring us against risk".<ref>{{cite news|first=Severin |last=Carrell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/18/scottish-independence-labour-tax-housing-benefit-devolution-plan |title=Scottish independence: Labour sets out tax and housing benefit devolution plan |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 March 2014 |accessdate=18 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318212139/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/18/scottish-independence-labour-tax-housing-benefit-devolution-plan |archivedate=18 March 2014 }}</ref> Ben Thomson, chair of the cross-party Devo Plus [[think tank]] argued the plans were "just tinkering with the current system" and would allow the SNP to "say that the unionist parties aren't interested in real devolution".<ref>{{cite news|first=Severin |last=Carrell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/18/labour-promises-energise-devolution-scotland-independence |title=Scottish Labour to 'energise devolution' if Scotland says no to independence |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=18 March 2014 |accessdate=19 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140319162327/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/mar/18/labour-promises-energise-devolution-scotland-independence |archivedate=19 March 2014 }}</ref> Deputy First Minister Sturgeon welcomed the prospect of increased devolution, but said a vote for independence was the only way to ensure greater powers for Scotland as "there [was] no guarantee that any new powers would be delivered in the event of a no vote".<ref name=Telegraph-2014-03-18/> The proposals were subsequently endorsed by delegates at Scottish Labour's 2014 party conference.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26687211 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish Labour conference: Party delegates approve power plan |publisher=BBC |date=21 March 2014 |accessdate=21 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323045909/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26687211 |archivedate=23 March 2014 }}</ref> ===Free public services debate=== In September 2012, Lamont announced a policy review of Scotland's universal benefits, signalling that a future Labour administration would reverse many of the free services introduced since power was devolved to Scotland.<ref name=Independent-2012-09-26>{{cite news|first=Hamish |last=MacDonell |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scottish-labour-plans-to-end-free-universal-benefits-8176116.html |title=Scottish Labour plans to end free universal benefits |publisher=Independent Print Ltd |newspaper=The Independent |date=26 September 2012 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205064856/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scottish-labour-plans-to-end-free-universal-benefits-8176116.html |archivedate=5 December 2013 }}</ref> Launching the review at an address to party delegates in Edinburgh, she questioned whether services such as prescriptions and tuition fees{{mdash}}which are free in Scotland{{mdash}}should continue to be available to all, regardless of income, and suggested the situation was unsustainable:<ref name=BBC-2012-09-25>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19711805 |work=BBC News |title=Labour's Johann Lamont questions free-for-all policy approach |publisher=BBC |date=25 September 2012 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609080503/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-19711805 |archivedate=9 June 2013 }}</ref> "I believe our resources must go to those in greatest need&nbsp;... Salmond's most cynical trick was to make people believe that more was free, when the poorest are paying for the tax breaks for the rich&nbsp;... Scotland cannot be the only something-for-nothing country in the world."<ref name=Independent-2012-09-26/><ref name=BBC-2012-09-25/> The speech was condemned by the SNP, which branded it as "[[Blairite]]", while deputy party leader Sturgeon called the strategy "disastrous".<ref name=Guardian-2012-11-06/><ref name=BBC-2012-09-25/> The approach was also questioned by Richard Seymour of ''The Guardian'', who suggested it could damage Labour's electoral appeal: "Outside Scotland, this policy would merely be a gift to the Tories, by corroborating their arguments for welfare cuts. In Scotland, it reminds ex-Labour voters why they defected to the SNP: as a defensive shield against such policies."<ref name=Guardian-2012-09-28>{{cite news|first=Richard |last=Seymour |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/sep/28/scottish-labour-hostility-snp?guni=Article:in%20body%20link |title=Scottish Labour is blinded by hostility to the SNP |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=28 September 2013 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202234105/http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/sep/28/scottish-labour-hostility-snp?guni=Article%3Ain%20body%20link |archivedate=2 December 2013 }}</ref> [[Owen Jones (writer)|Owen Jones]] of ''[[The Independent]]'' suggested it was "a baffling political strategy to outflank the SNP from the right".<ref>{{cite news|first=Owen |last=Jones |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-strange-death-of-labour-scotland-8430502.html |title=The strange death of Labour Scotland |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=23 December 2014 |accessdate=12 December 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219062849/http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/the-strange-death-of-labour-scotland-8430502.html |archivedate=19 December 2014 }}</ref> Lamont returned to the issue of universal tuition fees again in a speech in Glasgow on 17 December 2012 to mark the first anniversary of her election as Labour leader. She suggested that the [[Graduate Endowment]], a system abolished by the SNP Government, could be reinstated if Labour were re-elected at the [[2016 Scottish Parliament election|next Scottish parliamentary election]]. Ian Grant, a retired college principal, welcomed her comments as "courageous", but Jamie Kinlochan, a member of the [[National Union of Students Scotland]] expressed concerns that students would be discouraged by extra financial costs on top of loans and other expenses.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.stv.tv/politics/206341-johann-lamont-calls-for-modest-contribution-towards-education-fees/ |title=Johann Lamont calls for 'modest contribution' towards education fees |work=STV News |publisher=STV |date=17 December 2012 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150420164230/http://news.stv.tv/politics/206341-johann-lamont-calls-for-modest-contribution-towards-education-fees/ |archivedate=20 April 2015 }}</ref> In January 2014, Lamont and Scottish Labour faced criticism after the party voted against an SNP motion that included the introduction of free school meals for pupils in their first three years of [[Primary education in Scotland|primary education]], and a commitment to childcare for pre-school children.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-01-09/> The motion also contained measures that would only be implemented in the event of Scottish independence, something Labour said it could not support.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-01-09/><ref name=Scotsman-2014-01-12/> Recalling her experience of teaching underprivileged children, Lamont told the parliament that free school meals would not be her priority, and tabled an unsuccessful amendment calling for greater childcare provisions instead.<ref name=Scotsman-2014-01-12>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/dani-garavelli-questions-on-free-school-meal-move-1-3265011 |first=Dani |last=Garavelli |title=Questions on free school meal move |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=12 January 2014 |accessdate=14 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116094415/http://www.scotsman.com/news/dani-garavelli-questions-on-free-school-meal-move-1-3265011 |archivedate=16 January 2014 }}</ref><ref name=Scotsman-2014-01-13>{{cite news|first=Hugh |last=Reilly |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/hugh-reilly-lamont-diet-too-mean-for-school-meals-1-3266939 |title=Lamont diet too mean for school meals |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=13 January 2014 |accessdate=14 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116094418/http://www.scotsman.com/news/hugh-reilly-lamont-diet-too-mean-for-school-meals-1-3266939 |archivedate=16 January 2014 }}</ref> The motion was later passed by a majority of 67–46.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25632402 |work=BBC News |title=P1-3 pupils in Scotland to get free school meals |publisher=BBC |date=8 January 2014 |accessdate=15 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109225633/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25632402 |archivedate=9 January 2014 }}</ref> In ''The Daily Telegraph'', Cochrane wrote that the strategy had allowed the SNP to claim Labour opposed the principle of free school meals because they "fell for a bit of skulduggery that Ms Lamont and her business managers should have seen coming a mile off".<ref name=Telegraph-2014-01-09>{{cite news|first=Alan |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10562202/Lamont-walked-straight-into-the-SNPs-bear-trap.html |title=Lamont walked straight into the SNP's bear trap |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=9 January 2014 |accessdate=14 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116063345/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10562202/Lamont-walked-straight-into-the-SNPs-bear-trap.html |archivedate=16 January 2014 }}</ref> ===Falkirk candidate selection row and Grangemouth dispute=== In 2013, Labour and [[Police Scotland]] launched separate investigations into [[2013 Labour Party Falkirk candidate selection|claims]] that officials of the [[Unite the union|Unite]] union had signed their members up to Labour to get their preferred candidate adopted to represent the party in the [[Falkirk (UK Parliament constituency)|Falkirk]] constituency. The union officials were later cleared of any wrongdoing.<ref name=BBC-2013-11-04>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24811654 |work=BBC News |title=Alistair Darling calls for new Falkirk vote-rigging inquiry |publisher=BBC |date=4 November 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110123032/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24811654 |archivedate=10 November 2013 }}</ref> It was later claimed that key evidence thought to have been retracted had not been withdrawn, prompting several Falkirk councillors to urge Miliband to publish details of the party's internal inquiry or to hold a fresh investigation.<ref name=BBC-2013-11-04/> On the 4 November edition of ''[[Good Morning Scotland]]'', Lamont said there was a case for a fresh inquiry, but that Labour does not publish details of its internal investigations.<ref name=BBC-2013-11-04/><ref>{{cite news|first=Rowena |last=Mason |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/04/falkirk-vote-rigging-inquiry-scottish-labour |title=Falkirk vote-rigging inquiry may be reopened, says Scottish Labour leader |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=4 November 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113102023/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/nov/04/falkirk-vote-rigging-inquiry-scottish-labour |archivedate=13 November 2013 }}</ref> Later the same day, Labour said that it would not be reopening the investigation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24801672 |work=BBC News |title=Labour: 'No plans' to reopen Falkirk vote-rigging inquiry |publisher=BBC |date=4 November 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106225538/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24801672 |archivedate=6 November 2013 }}</ref> Miliband subsequently said that a new investigation was unnecessary.<ref>{{cite news|first=Eddie |last=Barnes |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/ed-miliband-no-need-for-new-falkirk-inquiry-1-3174386 |title=Ed Miliband: No need for new Falkirk inquiry |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=6 November 2013 |accessdate=14 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131108232218/http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/ed-miliband-no-need-for-new-falkirk-inquiry-1-3174386 |archivedate=8 November 2013 }}</ref> On 8 December the former MSP [[Karen Whitefield]] was selected to contest the seat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25279685 |work=BBC News |title=Falkirk Labour: Karen Whitefield chosen after selection row |publisher=BBC |date=8 December 2013 |accessdate=8 December 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208210653/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-25279685 |archivedate=8 December 2013 }}</ref> The report into Labour's inquiry was leaked to the media in February 2014, and concluded there was "no doubt" that Unite had attempted to manipulate the selection process.<ref>{{cite news|last=Peterkin |first=Tom |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/lamont-told-to-get-a-grip-of-scottish-labour-1-3293844 |title=Lamont told to 'get a grip' of Scottish Labour |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=4 February 2014 |accessdate=4 February 2014}}</ref> In October 2013 Lamont faced criticism for her reaction to an industrial dispute at the [[Grangemouth Refinery|Grangemouth Oil Refinery]].<ref name=Telegraph-2013-10-21>{{cite news|first=Simon |last=Johnson |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10392311/Ineos-ratchets-up-pressure-on-D-Day-for-Grangemouth.html |title=Ineos ratchets up pressure on D-Day for Grangemouth |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=21 October 2013 |accessdate=22 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023062327/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10392311/Ineos-ratchets-up-pressure-on-D-Day-for-Grangemouth.html |archivedate=23 October 2013 }}</ref> [[Ineos]], the company that operates the plant, had stated that the refinery was making financial losses, and had proposed a survival plan requiring employees to accept worse employment terms, notably changes in work rules and less generous pensions; this the employees rejected. The company mothballed the plant, threatening to close it if the terms were not accepted.<ref name=Telegraph-2013-10-21/> Lamont urged Ineos to withdraw its conditions and for both sides to hold talks, while Salmond tried to negotiate an agreement. Union officials eventually agreed not to call a strike for at least three years, and the plant reopened.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-11-01>{{cite news|first=Eddie |last=Barnes |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/grangemouth-miliband-urged-to-condemn-unite-union-1-3168371 |title=Grangemouth: Miliband urged to condemn Unite union |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=1 November 2013 |accessdate=22 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104044648/http://www.scotsman.com/news/uk/grangemouth-miliband-urged-to-condemn-unite-union-1-3168371 |archivedate=4 November 2013 }}</ref> The Ineos chairman, Calum MacLean, described Lamont's support for the trade unions during the dispute as "deeply irresponsible", while Salmond claimed she had been silent throughout the disagreement.<ref name=Telegraph-2013-10-21/><ref name=Scotsman-2013-11-01/> Writing for the ''[[Dunfermline Press]]'', [[Natalie McGarry]] suggested that while the Labour leader's silence probably had much to do with the continuing Falkirk selection row, ultimately she was "found wanting".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/opinion/roundup/articles/2013/10/31/476617-natalie-mcgarry-grangemouth-crisis-more-than-just-a-david-v-goliath-issue/ |first=Natalie |last=McGarry |title=Grangemouth crisis more than just a David v Goliath issue |publisher=Dunfermline Press Group |newspaper=Dunfermline Press |date=31 October 2013 |accessdate=22 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203021742/http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/opinion/roundup/articles/2013/10/31/476617-natalie-mcgarry-grangemouth-crisis-more-than-just-a-david-v-goliath-issue/ |archivedate=3 December 2013 }}</ref> ===Resignation=== Scotland voted by a 10% margin against independence, but the referendum returned "Yes" votes in some traditional Labour strongholds, particularly Glasgow and [[North Lanarkshire]], prompting media speculation about Lamont's future as the party's leader.<ref name=Scotsman-2014-09-26/> Shortly after the referendum, a ''[[Daily Mail]]'' article claimed that [[Shadow Secretary of State for International Development|Shadow International Development Secretary]] Jim Murphy was being lined up to take over from her,<ref>{{cite news|first=Steven |last=Brocklehurst |first2=Aiden |last2=James |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29770199 |title=Scottish Labour leadership: Who's in and who's out? |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=27 October 2014 |accessdate=27 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026233509/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29770199 |archivedate=26 October 2014 }}</ref> while ''The Herald'' reported that party delegates concerned about the results had started to view Murphy as a possible successor.<ref>{{cite news|first=Magnus |last=Gardham |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/lamont-vows-to-fight-on-as-labour-leader.25433566 |title=Lamont vows to fight on as Labour leader |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=26 September 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221174109/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/lamont-vows-to-fight-on-as-labour-leader.25433566 |archivedate=21 December 2014 }}</ref> Lamont had attempted to quash rumours of a leadership challenge at the 25 September 2014 session of First Minister's Questions, the first of the post-referendum era. "When the First Minister is long gone I will still be doing my job on behalf of the people of Scotland."<ref name=Scotsman-2014-09-26>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/johann-lamont-will-stay-on-as-labour-leader-1-3552949 |title=Johann Lamont ‘will stay on as Labour leader’ |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=26 September 2014 |accessdate=3 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930160906/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/johann-lamont-will-stay-on-as-labour-leader-1-3552949 |archivedate=30 September 2014 }}</ref> Her position remained uncertain. Alan Cochrane wrote that many Labour MPs in Scotland feared losing their seats at the 2015 general election without a change of leadership.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-10-25 /> In October, two former first ministers voiced their concern about the direction of the party. McConnell expressed fears that Labour would experience increased difficulty in regaining the confidence of Scottish voters following the election of Sturgeon as SNP leader, and described the party as "a political machine that is angry about what has happened in Scotland in the recent past".<ref name=Guardian-2014-10-25>{{cite news|first=Libby |last=Brooks |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/24/johann-lamont-resigns-scottish-labour-party-leader |title=Johann Lamont resigns as leader of Scottish Labour party |publisher=Guardian Media Group |newspaper=The Guardian |date=25 October 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025182019/http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/24/johann-lamont-resigns-scottish-labour-party-leader |archivedate=25 October 2014 }}</ref> Shortly afterwards, his predecessor, [[Henry McLeish]] suggested Labour had ceded "enormous ground to the SNP unnecessarily" because its supporters no longer understood "what the party stands for".<ref name=Guardian-2014-10-25/> Margaret Curran, the [[Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland]], said that although the party was changing, it needed to reconnect with its "socialist principles".<ref name=Independent-2014-10-24>{{cite news|first=Paul |last=Ward |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont-to-step-down-9817346.html |title=Johann Lamont resigns: Scottish Labour leader quits – and turns on Westminster 'dinosaurs' |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=24 October 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025030643/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont-to-step-down-9817346.html |archivedate=25 October 2014 }}</ref> Lamont's resignation as Labour leader was reported by media outlets on the evening of 24 October 2014, following the publication of an interview with the ''Daily Record'' in which she announced her intention to step down with immediate effect.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-10-25>{{cite news|first=Alan |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11187324/Johann-Lamont-to-resign-as-Scottish-Labour-leader.html |title=Johann Lamont to resign as Scottish Labour leader |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |date=24 October 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025021518/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11187324/Johann-Lamont-to-resign-as-Scottish-Labour-leader.html |archivedate=25 October 2014 }}</ref><ref name=BBC-2014-10-25>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29765415 |title=Johann Lamont resignation: Scottish Labour leader stands down immediately |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=25 October 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024212011/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29765415 |archivedate=24 October 2014 }}</ref> She told the newspaper that she was resigning because Labour's Westminster leadership had undermined her attempts to reform the party in Scotland, and treated Scottish Labour “like a branch office of London.”.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-10-25/> She described some London-based colleagues as "dinosaurs" unable to understand that "Scotland has changed forever" following the referendum. Lamont was also angry that she had not been consulted on some matters, such as a decision by the UK leadership to replace Ian Price as Scottish Labour's General Secretary.<ref name=BBC-2014-10-25/><ref name=Telegraph-2014-10-25b>{{cite news|first=Auslan |last=Cramb |first2=Tim |last2=Ross |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/11188206/Johann-Lamont-quits-Ed-Miliband-warned-of-catastrophic-damage-to-Labour.html |title=Johann Lamont quits: Ed Miliband warned of 'catastrophic' damage to Labour |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=Daily Telegraph |date=25 October 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026004800/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/labour/11188206/Johann-Lamont-quits-Ed-Miliband-warned-of-catastrophic-damage-to-Labour.html |archivedate=26 October 2014 }}</ref> In her letter of resignation, submitted to Scottish Labour Party Chairman Jamie Glackin, Lamont accused "senior members of the party" of questioning her role and said that she was taking herself "out of the equation" to allow Scottish Labour to have a discussion about the best way forward.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jane |last=Merrick |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/johann-lamont-resigns-party-has-no-clue-on-scotland-says-former-labour-first-minister-9818656.html |title=Johann Lamont resigns: Party has 'no clue' on Scotland, says former Labour first minister |publisher=Independent Print Limited |newspaper=The Independent |date=26 October 2014 |accessdate=26 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026005615/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/johann-lamont-resigns-party-has-no-clue-on-scotland-says-former-labour-first-minister-9818656.html |archivedate=26 October 2014 }}</ref> Anas Sarwar became Labour's acting leader. On 26 October, following a meeting of the party's executive committee, he outlined the details of a [[2014 Scottish Labour Party leadership election|leadership election]], which would be held using the three-tier electoral college, and conclude with the announcement of a new leader on 13 December.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29777854 |title=Johann Lamont resignation: Scottish Labour wants 'quick' leader vote |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=26 October 2014 |accessdate=26 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026151456/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29777854 |archivedate=26 October 2014 }}</ref> Murphy, Boyack and [[Neil Findlay]] stood in the subsequent contest, with Murphy elected as Lamont's successor.<ref name=BBC-2014-12-13>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30461687 |title=MP Jim Murphy named Scottish Labour leader |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=13 December 2014 |accessdate=13 December 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213112020/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-30461687 |archivedate=13 December 2014 }}</ref> Lamont did not vote for Murphy in the election, but instead chose to back his rivals.<ref>{{cite news|first=Paul |last=Hutcheon |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/johann-lamont-snubs-murphy-in-leadership-vote.26098559 |title=Johann Lamont snubs Murphy in leadership vote |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Sunday Herald |date=14 December 2014 |accessdate=17 December 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216194503/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/scottish-politics/johann-lamont-snubs-murphy-in-leadership-vote.26098559 |archivedate=16 February 2015 }}</ref> Miliband paid tribute to Lamont shortly after she announced that she intended to relinquish the leadership role, saying she had "led the Scottish Labour Party with determination".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29772670 |title=Johann Lamont resigns saying role 'questioned' |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=25 October 2014 |accessdate=25 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025172009/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29772670 |archivedate=25 October 2014 }}</ref> McLeish and McConnell both indicated that Lamont's sudden departure following weeks of speculation could have implications for Miliband's leadership. McLeish said that Miliband's chance of becoming Prime Minister could be affected if Labour returned fewer Scottish MPs in 2015, something he called a problem of “historic, epic proportions”,<ref name=Telegraph-2014-10-25/> while McConnell said that he was "very, very angry" and suggested Miliband had questions to answer about the circumstances surrounding the resignation.<ref name=Telegraph-2014-10-25/> Salmond echoed the views of his predecessor, arguing that Miliband "should be answering questions about why Labour in Scotland is run as an extension of his Westminster office, and why he has effectively forced the resignation of a Labour leader in Scotland."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29774086 |title=Johann Lamont resignation: Salmond blames Miliband for Labour 'meltdown' |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=26 October 2014 |accessdate=26 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026165058/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29774086 |archivedate=26 October 2014 }}</ref> [[Ed Balls]], the [[Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer|Shadow Chancellor]], rejected Lamont's claims about UK Labour's treatment of its Scottish counterpart.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29786648 |title=Ed Balls denies Labour treats Scotland as a 'branch office' |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=27 October 2014 |accessdate=27 October 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028073752/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-29786648 |archivedate=28 October 2014 }}</ref> Ian Davidson claimed that supporters of Murphy, who subsequently announced his intention to stand in the leadership contest to succeed Lamont, had conducted a [[whispering campaign]] against her. He further suggested that those on the right of the party had resented her election as leader and ignored her, treating her as a "wee lassie".<ref>{{cite news |first=Magnus |last=Gardham |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-37330322.html |title=Lamont Was the Victim of a Murphy Coup, Claims Labour MP |newspaper=The Herald |publisher=Newsquest |date=29 October 2014 |accessdate=10 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150329064907/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-37330322.html |archivedate=29 March 2015 }}</ref> ==Post leadership== Labour went on to suffer significant losses, both in the 2015 UK general election, and the [[2016 Scottish Parliament election]]. In Glasgow, where the party had traditionally enjoyed strong support, both elections produced a result in which every Labour held constituency was lost to the SNP, while in 2016 the Conservatives overtook Labour as the second largest party at Holyrood. Lamont lost her Glasgow Pollok seat to the SNP's [[Humza Yousaf]], who secured it with a majority of 6,484, but she was one of four Labour candidates elected to the [[Glasgow (Scottish Parliament electoral region)|Glasgow regional list]], where she was joined by Sarwar, [[James Kelly (Scottish politician)|James Kelly]] and [[Pauline McNeill]]. In response to the results, Lamont suggested Labour needed to understand the reasons behind it, and suggested that the 2014 referendum could be partially responsible. "A bit of it, I think, is still the referendum, the Yes/No is the divide in people’s minds rather than the politics of taxation, investing in public services against a low tax economy and so on."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/167943/snp-wipe-labour-glasgow-constituencies/ |title=SNP wipe out Labour in Glasgow constituencies |publisher=D. C. Thomson & Co |newspaper=The Courier |date=6 May 2016 |accessdate=6 May 2016 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507121401/https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/politics/scottish-politics/167943/snp-wipe-labour-glasgow-constituencies/ |archivedate=7 May 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2016-scotland-36221850 |title=Holyrood 2016: SNP wipes out Labour in Glasgow with wins in all eight seats |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |date=6 May 2016 |accessdate=6 May 2016 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506112619/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2016-scotland-36221850 |archivedate=6 May 2016 }}</ref> In November 2016 she was announced as a member of the [[Commission on Parliamentary Reform]], having been nominated to represent Scottish Labour.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.journalonline.co.uk/News/1022454.aspx |title=Presiding Officer names Parliament reform commission members |work=The Journal |publisher=[[Law Society of Scotland]] |date=2 November 2016 |accessdate=14 January 2017 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116172137/http://www.journalonline.co.uk/News/1022454.aspx |archivedate=16 January 2017 }}</ref> ==Politics and views== Although she has been criticised by SNP politicians for taking a "[[Blairism|Blairite]]" stance on public services, ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Peter Hetherington has described Lamont as "rooted to older [Labour] party values, with a deep commitment to fairness".<ref name=Guardian-2012-11-06/> Her politics were heavily influenced by her inner city upbringing and her career in teaching.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/><ref name=BBC-2013-04-20/> Her childhood experience was something she addressed in an emotional speech to delegates at the 2013 Scottish Labour Party Conference:<ref name=BBC-2013-04-20>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-22227356 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish Labour conference: Johann Lamont pledges to work with SNP |publisher=BBC |date=20 April 2013 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522153458/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-22227356 |archivedate=22 May 2013 }}</ref> "I saw in my upbringing the beauty of our land and felt both the warmth of community and the harshness and brutality at times of trying to make a living here. I had the privilege to grow up in a family of love, but one where my mother always reminded me that what we ate, what we wore, where we lived, was all the product of the sweat of my father's brow earned at sea. And I respected that."<ref name=BBC-2013-04-20/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/blog/entry/creating-a-fairer-better-more-prosperous-scotland |title=Putting fairness and honesty back into politics |publisher=Scottish Labour Party |date=20 April 2013 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130819033423/http://www.scottishlabour.org.uk/blog/entry/creating-a-fairer-better-more-prosperous-scotland |archivedate=19 August 2013 }}</ref> Throughout her career, Lamont has campaigned on issues such as equality and violence against women.<ref name=Holyrood-2009-06-12/><ref name=BBC-2011-12-17/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4467916.stm |title=Minister's fight against violence |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=25 November 2005 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302160659/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4467916.stm |archivedate=2 March 2009 }}</ref> Her profile on the Scottish Parliament website lists her political interests as being focussed on tackling poverty, women's rights and disability issues.<ref name="parliament1"/> She credits Curran, and the work of author [[Erin Pizzey]] for helping to broaden her understanding of women's issues.<ref name=Holyrood-2014-09-16/> On 12 March 2014, she led a Scottish Parliament debate in which she discussed the increased opportunities available for women in Scotland, whilst highlighting issues she felt still needed to be addressed.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/scotland-26550926 |work=BBC News |title=Lamont says 'huge issues facing women' deeper than constitutional arrangements |publisher=BBC |date=12 March 2014 |accessdate=13 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412035822/http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/scotland-26550926 |archivedate=12 April 2016 }}</ref> At First Minister's Questions, she often highlighted personal stories of members of the public, believing them to bring an element of real life into the Parliament.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/> Along with Holyrood's other opposition leaders, Lamont signed the [[Equality Network]]'s Equal Marriage Pledge in favour of legalising [[same-sex marriage in Scotland|same-sex marriage]] in January 2012,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-16816512 |work=BBC News |title=Opposition party leaders unite over same-sex marriage |publisher=BBC |date=31 January 2012 |accessdate=16 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021164252/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-16816512 |archivedate=21 October 2013 }}</ref> and voted in favour of the [[Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014|Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill]] on 4 February 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26041921 |work=BBC News |title=Scotland's same-sex marriage bill: How MSPs voted |publisher=BBC |date=4 February 2014 |accessdate=4 February 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140206032238/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-26041921 |archivedate=6 February 2014 }}</ref> As someone with a Gaelic background, she has spoken of her belief in the importance of providing support for the language, feeling it has an economic benefit for Scotland.<ref name=Parliament-2009-01-29/> On the [[Death and state funeral of Nelson Mandela|death]] of 95-year-old [[Nelson Mandela]] in December 2013, Lamont joined other public figures in paying tribute to him, describing the former South African President as "the towering figure of my life since I became politically aware".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scotland-s-politicians-pay-tribute-to-nelson-mandela-1-3223324 |title=Scotland's politicians pay tribute to Nelson Mandela |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=6 December 2013 |accessdate=29 December 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230235203/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scotland-s-politicians-pay-tribute-to-nelson-mandela-1-3223324 |archivedate=30 December 2013 }}</ref> Lamont has said that Labour lost the 2011 Scottish Parliament election because the party lost its direction,<ref name=BBC-2011-11-07/> and that having failed to recognise the 2007 result as a defeat, it picked up the wrong signals from the [[2010 United Kingdom general election|2010 general election]] that saw a strong Scottish Labour vote at Westminster.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rhodes |first=Mandy |url=http://www.holyrood.com/2012/01/labour-of-love-interview-with-scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont/ |title=Labour of love: Interview with Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont |work=Holyrood Magazine |publisher=Holyrood Communications |date=16 January 2012 |accessdate=16 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112215544/http://www.holyrood.com/2012/01/labour-of-love-interview-with-scottish-labour-leader-johann-lamont/ |archivedate=12 January 2014 }}</ref> In February 2012, she told the ''[[Times Educational Supplement]]'', "We misread the 2010 (general) election, thinking it was confirmation that Scotland was a Labour country&nbsp;– it was probably confirmation that Scotland was still anti-Tory. There's an issue about rebuilding trust, and our confidence in the values that brought us into politics."<ref name=TES-2012-02-03/> She told delegates at the 2012 Scottish Labour Party conference that it was time for them to stop apologising for past mistakes. "We know what happened last May – we looked tired and complacent and we got the kind of beating we deserved. But now, we need to start building the kind of Scottish Labour Party which Scotland deserves and which Scotland needs."<ref name=BBC-2012-03-03a>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17246563 |work=BBC News |title=Leader Lamont tells Labour faithful to stop saying sorry |publisher=BBC |date=3 March 2012 |accessdate=16 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610030316/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-17246563 |archivedate=10 June 2013 }}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Scotland on Sunday]]'' in September 2013, Lamont signalled her support for the creation of a land tax as part of reforms to local taxation, suggesting that the council tax freeze introduced by the SNP had resulted in a funding shortfall.<ref>{{cite news|first=Eddie |last=Barnes |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/johann-lamont-signals-support-for-land-tax-plan-1-3105817 |title=Johann Lamont signals support for land tax plan |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=22 September 2013 |accessdate=16 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031022524/http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/johann-lamont-signals-support-for-land-tax-plan-1-3105817 |archivedate=31 October 2013 }}</ref> At the 2014 [[Scottish Trades Union Congress]] annual conference, Lamont outlined plans to establish a Workers' Charter, saying she would work with the SNP government to achieve this.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-27053200 |work=BBC News |title=Scottish independence: Johann Lamont appeals to unions not to split over referendum |publisher=BBC |date=16 April 2014 |accessdate=16 April 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418122302/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-27053200 |archivedate=18 April 2014 }}</ref> ==Media image== After her inaugural session of First Minister's Questions on 22 December 2011, the [[BBC]]'s [[Brian Taylor (journalist)|Brian Taylor]] called Lamont's performance "confident, direct and salient".<ref name=BBC-2011-12-22/> Cochrane has suggested that she emerged as the prevailing force at the weekly debates with Salmond, writing in May 2013, "it's been obvious for some time to those of us in the cheap seats that Johann Lamont has more than got his measure."<ref>{{cite news|first=Alan |last=Cochrane |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10047977/Nats-get-that-sinking-feeling-after-another-pasting.html |title=Nats get that sinking feeling after another pasting |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=9 May 2013 |accessdate=22 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103023534/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/10047977/Nats-get-that-sinking-feeling-after-another-pasting.html |archivedate=3 January 2014 }}</ref> Peter Hetherington of ''The Guardian'' quotes an unnamed political observer at Holyrood who said, "She's getting under [Salmond's] skin like no predecessor."<ref name=Guardian-2012-11-06/> Writing for ''[[The Scotsman]]'' as Scottish Labour gathered for its conference in April 2013, Andrew Whitaker felt that Lamont's tenure as party leader had been successful, citing Labour's local election achievements and her weekly exchanges with Salmond at First Minister's Questions as examples: "Ms Lamont has made Labour at Holyrood respectable again and less of the laughing stock than the ravaged party that emerged from heavy defeat in 2011."<ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew |last=Whitaker |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/andrew-whitaker-lamont-has-made-scottish-labour-respectable-1-2901908 |title=Lamont has made Scottish Labour respectable |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=19 April 2013 |accessdate=15 November 2013 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224651/http://www.scotsman.com/news/andrew-whitaker-lamont-has-made-scottish-labour-respectable-1-2901908 |archivedate=2 December 2013 }}</ref> Her media appearances were criticised for their awkwardness. In September 2012, Richard Seymour of ''The Guardian'' described how she "fluffed her lines" during an interview with [[STV (TV channel)|STV]] reporter [[Bernard Ponsonby]] following her announcement of Labour's public service policy review.<ref name=Guardian-2012-09-28/> Peter Ross of ''The Scotsman'' cites another interview, in which she was repeatedly questioned about her views on the [[UK Trident programme]]. But he describes her in person as "articulate, reflective, self-deprecating and at times very funny. It would be unfair to condemn her for not being a sound-bite politician; she ought to be applauded for it, but the trouble is we live in a sound-bite age."<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/> Mandy Rhodes of ''[[Holyrood (magazine)|Holyrood]]'' magazine writes, "despite a reputation as being a bit of a fierce one, [Lamont] is actually, really rather entertaining, engaging and wonderfully self-deprecating."<ref name=Holyrood-2009-06-12/> The BBC's Marianne Taylor describes Lamont as "Quietly spoken and more humorous in person than she comes across on television".<ref name=BBC-2014-04-25/> Ian Swanson of ''The Scotsman'' has described her as "dour but passionate".<ref>{{cite news|first=Ian |last=Swanson |url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/ian-swanson-who-will-take-the-vacant-leadership-roles-of-the-opposition-parties-1-1630385 |title=Who will take the vacant leadership roles of the opposition parties |publisher=Johnston Press |newspaper=The Scotsman |date=10 May 2011 |accessdate=1 March 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302030956/http://www.scotsman.com/news/ian-swanson-who-will-take-the-vacant-leadership-roles-of-the-opposition-parties-1-1630385 |archivedate=2 March 2014 }}</ref> Lamont's low public recognition indicated by the December 2013 TNS BMRB poll led ''Herald'' columnist Alison Rowat to label her "the invisible woman of the independence debate", and to suggest she needed to raise her profile.<ref>{{cite web|first=Alison |last=Rowat |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/invisible-woman-of-politics-needs-more-doorstep-time.22976331 |title=Invisible woman of politics needs more doorstep time |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=20 December 2013 |accessdate=15 January 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117000306/http://www.heraldscotland.com/comment/columnists/invisible-woman-of-politics-needs-more-doorstep-time.22976331 |archivedate=17 January 2014 }}</ref> Impressionist [[Jonathan Watson]] satirised Lamont in the 2013 edition of [[BBC Scotland]]'s annual [[Hogmanay]] comedy show ''[[Only an Excuse?]]'', featuring a sketch in which she debates Scottish independence with Salmond.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/lamont-in-watsons-line-of-fire-as-impressions-show-returns.23035917 |title=Lamont in Watson's line of fire as impressions show returns|publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=28 December 2013 |accessdate=29 December 2013}}</ref> ==Awards== Lamont's decision to question the status quo over the availability of free public services for all earned her the Political Impact of the Year award at the 2012 ''Herald'' Scottish Politician of the Year Awards. She was also nominated for Politician of the Year at the same ceremony, but beaten by Deputy First Minister Sturgeon.<ref>{{cite news|first=Robbie |last=Dinwoodie |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/sturgeon-crowned-the-herald-scottish-politician-of-2012-x.19429793 |title=Sturgeon crowned The Herald Scottish politician of 2012 |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=16 November 2012 |accessdate=29 November 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119020639/http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/sturgeon-crowned-the-herald-scottish-politician-of-2012-x.19429793 |archivedate=19 November 2012 }}</ref> At the 2013 awards, she was the winner of the Donald Dewar Debater of the Year award for her weekly exchanges with Salmond at First Minister's Questions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24953907 |title=Alex Salmond named the Herald's Scottish Politician of Year |publisher=BBC |work=BBC News |date=15 November 2013 |accessdate=29 November 2014 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425113203/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-24953907 |archivedate=25 April 2015 }}</ref> Lamonts decision to appear on national television and announce "We're not genetically programmed in Scotland to make political decisions", was hailed as the most ironic declaration by a politician in history by her own party. However, Her most applauded award is the award she gave to the people of Scotland, when she stepped down and ultimately retired from politics. ==Personal life== Lamont is married to Archie Graham,of Glasgow City Council and Labour councillor for [[Langside]] ward.<ref name=Scotsman-2013-06-09/><ref name=Herald-2010-12-04/> They have two children.<ref name=Herald-2010-12-04>{{cite news|first=Gerry |last=Braiden |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/labour-s-top-talent-in-four-way-fight-to-claim-purcell-s-old-job-1.1019973 |title=Labour's top talent in four-way fight to claim Purcell's old job |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald |date=4 December 2010 |accessdate=1 January 2012 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521074649/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/labour-s-top-talent-in-four-way-fight-to-claim-purcell-s-old-job-1.1019973 |archivedate=21 May 2013 }}</ref> She is a fan of the television soap ''[[Coronation Street]]'' and likes to keep fit by walking, jogging and dancing.<ref name="parliament1"/> As a keen runner, she has completed several [[Long-distance running|long distance races]].<ref>{{cite news|first=Angela |last=McManus |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/labour-leader-lamont-loses-four-stone-by-getting-back-into-running.23565366 |title=Labour leader Lamont loses four stone by getting back into running |publisher=Newsquest |newspaper=The Herald|date=1 March 2014 |accessdate=1 March 2014}}</ref> ==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== *[https://web.archive.org/web/20120719133836/http://scottish.parliament.uk/msps/currentmsps/27838.aspx Personal Information], at the Scottish Parliament website *[http://johannlamont.blogspot.com/ johannlamont.blogspot.com] Blog {{s-start}} {{s-par|sct}} {{s-bef|before=[[Scotland Act 1998|Constituency Created]]}} {{s-ttl|title=[[Member of the Scottish Parliament]] <br /> for [[Glasgow Pollok (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Glasgow Pollok]]|years=[[1999 Scottish Parliament election|1999]]–[[2016 Scottish Parliament election|2016]]}} {{s-aft|after=[[Humza Yousaf]]}} {{s-ppo}} {{succession box | title=[[Scottish Labour Party|Leader of the Scottish Labour Party]] | before=[[Iain Gray]] |after=[[Jim Murphy]] |years=2011–2014}} {{end}} {{2011 Scottish Labour Party leadership election}} {{Glasgow MSPs}} {{Scottish Labour Party}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Lamont, Johann}} [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:1957 births]] [[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow constituencies]] [[Category:Alumni of the University of Glasgow]] [[Category:Alumni of the University of Strathclyde]] <!-- due to Jordanhill - our university categories explicitly include constituent bodies --> [[Category:Labour Co-operative MSPs]] [[Category:Leaders of the Scottish Labour Party]] [[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 1999–2003]] [[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2003–2007]] [[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2007–2011]] [[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2011–2016]] [[Category:Members of the Scottish Parliament 2016–]] <!-- "In my maiden speech in 1999, I made the point that I spoke haltingly in Gaelic" - http://johannlamont.blogspot.com/2009/02/gaelic-language-plan-speech-scottish.html --> [[Category:Scottish schoolteachers]] [[Category:Female members of the Scottish Parliament]] [[Category:People from Anderston]] [[Category:20th-century British women politicians]] [[Category:21st-century British women politicians]]'