Hope & Despair

Is Scottish politics mired in a constitutional dogfight with no end in sight? Why has Scottish Labour failed to develop a radical and credible alternative to independence? Is it possible for a campaigning politician to make a difference? Can people power lead to positive change? Over the last few years, political campaigner and former Labour msp Neil Findlay kept a log of his time in the Scottish Parliament, a time which he describes as one of perpetual crisis and scandal. This book is my account of being an elected politician. My comments convey my feelings and emotions as events unfolded. If they cause upset to some, then so be it. I can only report the truth. There is little doubt the tectonic plates of Scottish politics are shifting. Is this a time of hope or of despair? Time will tell. As a socialist, I am an optimist and live in hope and have a belief that tomorrow will always be better than today.

About the Author :
NEIL FINDLAY was born in 1969, the son of a bricklayer and a primary school teacher. Brought up in the working class village of Fauldhouse in West Lothian, after leaving school at 16 he was an apprentice and tradesman bricklayer for ten years with his father’s small business, became active in his local Labour Party and struck up a great friendship with Tam Dalyell mp. After returning to education, Neil worked in social housing before becoming a schoolteacher. A West Lothian councillor for nine years, he was elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011, serving in various front bench posts and contesting the Scottish Labour leadership election in 2015. He acted as Scottish Jeremy Corbyn’s campaign manager in two Labour Party leadership elections. Neil enjoys fishing, golf, gardening and going for a pint.

Review :
This book shows how a campaigning msp can make a real difference. Neil’s work on mesh, the pardon for Scottish miners and the Covid scandal in our care homes is an example to others. MARION SCOTT, The Sunday Post Neil is scathing about the state of Scottish politics and despite honest attempts to build a coalition for change across the divide. MATT KERR, Morning Star Findlay’s book, Hope and Despair, reveals an attempt to bridge the divide between March 2020 and January 2021 - months before the Holyrood poll. PAUL HUTCHEON, Daily Record Neil Findlay is not someone who can be accused of understatement. HAMISH MORRISON, The National Findlay was one of the few at Holyrood – even in his own party – who seemed comfortable with being described as a Socialist. And who could accurately be described as hailing from a working-class background. KEVIN MCKENNA, The Herald This is a very important book that reminds us of some of the shameful decisions made here in Scotland during the Covid pandemic, I couldn’t put it down. JAMIE CALDWELL, UNITE the Union This book does indeed lift the lid on the rot at the heart of our politics - it is an essential read. GORDON MARTIN, RMT Scotland Whilst this fascinating insight into Scottish politics over the past few years confirms many of our worst fears about the desperate inadequacies for our political class, Findlay’s refreshing honesty and outstanding commitment to campaigning for justice and fairness is a beacon of genuine hope. STEPHEN WRIGHT, The Musician’s Union