The Rest Is Politics: Leading 108. Mhairi Black: Independence, inequality, and the future of the SNP
Nov 18, 2024
Mhairi Black, former MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, gained notoriety as the youngest MP ever elected and is known for her candid views within the SNP. She shares her journey from youth activism to Parliament, tackling the culture of bullying and intimidation in politics. Mhairi discusses the evolving internal conflicts within the SNP, the complexities of Scottish independence, and her thoughts on future leadership. She emphasizes the need for youth engagement and innovative policies like basic income to shape Scotland's political landscape.
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Early Activism
- Mhairi Black's first political involvement was protesting the Iraq War at age seven.
- She marched, but Tony Blair had already left, disappointing young Mhairi.
Unexpected Victory
- Mhairi Black didn't initially intend to win her parliamentary seat against Douglas Alexander.
- Her goal was to challenge him and prevent him from taking the constituency for granted.
Parliament's Toxic Culture
- Mhairi Black found Parliament's culture outdated and unacceptable, particularly its bullying and lack of respect.
- This was more apparent to her because she was young and hadn't become accustomed to the norms.