James Mitchell
7.5K posts
@ProfJMitchell
Professor of Public Policy, Edinburgh University
@Scott_Wortley Indeed, the political dynamics of it could be messy and risky. Rule 5.2 in the standing orders isn't clear to me whether it would necessarily be allowed, but if it is, it means it could feel like a pretty fragile arrangement if it does proceed...
PSA: New MSPs are being inducted over the next two days in Holyrood, the official swearing in will happen on Thursday, overseen by outgoing PO Alison Johnstone. The MSPs will then elect a new PO and DPOs. Election of First Minister is next week.
@ProfJMitchell Posting for clicks is unbecoming.
@ProfJMitchell Not sure it's a good look for an old, middle class man to disparage a young, talented woman in such a public, nasty way. But that's what entitlement does for you.
Classic case of a loyalist over-promoted far too quickly. Guess her prospects of replacing John Swinney in next Parliament are reduced. Perhaps had SNP leadership given thought to developing potential future leaders rather than awarding loyalty then might have been different.
“I’m sorry, there are absolutely no fiscal requirements for joining the EU. What you are talking about is the Exchange Rate Mechanism.” Jaw-dropping ignorance from Màiri McAllan.
I am lucky to be cosupervising a PhD student with @ProfJMitchell looking at the role of government lawyers and parliamentary counsel in shaping policy and legislation in Scotland. This is a fascinating area in which more work is needed
“By common consent the 2026 Holyrood campaign has been uninspiring, short of fresh policy and ideas and failing to make an impression on voters”. But it still matters and the voting system plays a part in the outcome. Good analysis by Mark Diffley. diffleypartnership.co.uk/election-run-i…
@gordymeister @ProfJMitchell You want it to fail so you can gloat. It would require cross party support and cross government too. But capitalist cunts are running the show. Shame on you for supporting them.
@ProfJMitchell A voluntary system would still deliver a public good. We finally have food cost inflation on the agenda and we are looking for solution - this was completely absent before SNP manifesto.
@ProfJMitchell From another cynical perspective, this policy did the job of communicating that the SNP wanted to address the cost of living crisis during an election campaign. The problems and details are for afterwards
Classic case of blundering into a populist ill thought out policy that took no account of implementation. John Swinney's version of Theresa May's social care U-turn during 2017 election. John Swinney signals U-turn on plans to cap food prices thetimes.com/article/d0bac8…
