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The Courier
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Courier
Michael Marra: Dundee's humble champion is fighting for fairness, community, family and lasting change
If there's one thread running through Michael Marra's life and politics, it's a deep-rooted belief in fairness, community and the quiet strength of collective action. The Dundee-based North East Scotland Scottish Labour MSP is currently the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance. But long before Holyrood, he was marching for miners' rights as a child, raised in a household shaped by trade unionism, Catholic social teaching, and the melodic storytelling of his uncle – the legendary musician Michael Marra. Now 45, the MSP and former Lochee councillor speaks with the clarity of someone who has witnessed inequality firsthand – whether among the terraces at Tannadice, in Dundee classrooms where both his parents taught, or in the everyday struggles of his constituents. His politics embody practical socialism: less about slogans, more about delivering policies that make a 'real' difference. He's driven by putting money into people's pockets, investing in public services and rebuilding trust in a system many feel has left them behind. But when asked if he has ambitions to lead Scottish Labour, the self-described 'badly lapsed Catholic' and 'radical pragmatist' says it's not something he is 'actively pursuing'. 'Firstly, there's no vacancy at the moment – and I hope it stays that way,' he says in an interview with The Courier, speaking before Anas Sarwar was 'race baited' this week by Reform leader Nigel Farage. 'Anas (Sarwar) is a brilliant, charismatic, politically astute leader. 'Despite the current challenges – like the splintering of the anti-SNP vote – there's no one better placed to deal with them.' But while he doesn't rule out vying for party leadership in future, the father-of-three makes it clear he'd be reluctant to take on the role while his family are young. 'If it were to happen, it would be a long way off,' he adds. 'With my two youngest children at the ages they are, I couldn't do it. 'I've seen Labour leaders put in unbelievable work here in Scotland – often with little electoral reward, but with huge personal sacrifices. 'My children are in their early teens, and they need me now. Sometimes I don't feel I give them enough as it is.' Michael has strong views on international affairs, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza. But it's building a more equal society at home that truly drives him. That core motivator was powerfully reflected when he recently voted against assisted dying legislation at Holyrood. His decision wasn't influenced by his 'lapsed Catholic' faith, as some might assume. Instead, he explains, it stemmed from a deep concern that assisted dying could place a heavier burden on the poor and disabled. Until that fundamental imbalance is addressed, he cannot in good conscience support such a measure. This conviction underpins not only his stance on assisted dying but also his broader worldview, centred around what he calls 'Dundee first.' Born and bred in Dundee, Michael's roots run deep in the city's working-class and Irish immigrant history. His great-uncle was the secretary of the Labour Party in Dundee for 30 years. His great-uncle's father Nicholas Marra, meanwhile, founded both the Independent Labour Party in Dundee and the Jute and Flax Workers' Union. Growing up in a household where both parents were schoolteachers and active trade unionists, social justice and solidarity were lived realities. From marches organised by his dad during the miners' strike to organising holiday camps for children from Fife, activism and a belief in collective progress were part of his childhood. The Dundee of his youth was a city marked by economic hardship but also by community resilience and a fierce pride in local identity. Michael attended St Joseph's Primary and then St John's High School. He vividly remembers classmates who went on to be devastated by drugs and deprivation – a stark reminder of the city's persistent inequalities. He joined the Labour Party as a university student in Glasgow, initially hesitant due to New Labour's perceived shift to the right under Tony Blair. 'I wasn't a Blairite,' he admits. 'My sister joined before me.' But for Michael, Labour remains a vehicle for tangible improvements to ordinary people's lives. Asked if 'soft left' is an accurate description of his politics, he replies: 'I have a radical vision for a fairer economic future. 'I don't believe in the nationalisation of the top FTSE 500 kind of thing – I was never enamoured by Corbynism. I thought it was a pathway to electoral doom. 'But essentially I'm a socialist who wants to see significant progress on equality.' As Scottish Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, he focuses heavily on financial inclusion. He is critical of what he calls 'chaotic' SNP budget management and 'waste'. On the relationship between Scottish Labour and the UK party, he highlights the autonomy of the Scottish branch while stressing shared interests. He works closely with Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Michael, who previously worked for Oxfam, supports a two-state solution and a free Palestine when it comes to the Israel-Gaza conflict. While acknowledging the trauma of the October 7 attacks on Israel, he describes recent Israeli state actions as 'completely unacceptable' and is sickened by the 'horrific' humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His family's ties to Palestine run deep. His father is active in Dundee's Nablus Twinning Association, and his late colleague Ernie Ross was a long-time supporter of Palestinian solidarity. On a lighter note, Michael is an avid Dundee United fan who's delighted to see the club back in Europe. A season ticket holder in the Eddie Thompson stand where he sits with his football 'fanatic' son and dad, he speaks warmly of the club's recent successes and the passionate atmosphere at matches. But the legacy of his late uncle Michael Marra, the celebrated musician, also looms large. 'Mick was a storyteller who captured the spirit of Dundee – its people and its struggles,' he says. 'We didn't always agree politically, but he was kind, caring, and proud when my sister entered politics.' Though he describes himself as a 'badly lapsed Catholic,' faith remains a cultural touchstone. Michael is deeply concerned about the rise of populism and right-wing politics globally. He links this shift to the atomising effects of social media, which promotes individualism over community. Locally, he takes pride in Dundee's strong community spirit and its tradition of female-led activism. Yet he remains worried about persistent challenges: child poverty, drug addiction, and economic decline. He also campaigns on issues close to Dundee's heart, such as supporting footballers with dementia. Asked about his hopes for the future, Michael is clear: 'I want more and better jobs in Dundee. I want schools to improve, young people to get work, and a more equal Scotland where people feel at ease with themselves. If politics can help make that happen, I'd be happy.' And his dream when that day comes? 'I'd be quite happy sitting at Tannadice with my grandchildren and not being recognised by anybody!'
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Moment John Swinney heckled by Reform UK campaigner as FM dodges warring activists ahead of Hamilton by-election
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHN Swinney today breezed past two sets of warring activists hurling abuse at each other ahead of a hotly contested by-election. The First Minister was met with heckles of 'Swinney the swine' by Reform UK campaigners who were locked in a bitter stand-off, on Hamilton's Quarry Street, with rivals from the Scottish Socialist Party. 3 John Swinney was campaigning in Hamilton with SNP candidate Katy Loudon Credit: Wattie Cheung 3 Reform UK activists shouted abuse at the First Minister in Hamilton, Lanarkshire Credit: Staff An anti-immigration canvasser, puffing on a cigarette, was heard telling voters: 'Take a leaflet and put it in your sky rocket.' He displayed homemade signs reading 'Just stop immigration' and 'Stop the boats'. Across the street, three left-wingers set up shop with posters urging for a workers' wage and 'reject corruption'. However, Mr Swinney - accompanied by two protection officers - ignored the screaming match and stopped outside a nearby Greggs. He quizzed SNP candidate Katy Loudon on her least favourite pastry from the high street bakery to which she replied: 'The Festive Bake.' It comes ahead of a by-election on Thursday 5 June, following the sad death, aged 57, of former Nats MP Christina McKelvie. Meanwhile Labour chiefs fear Reform's surge will hand the SNP victory in the Hamilton by-election. Insiders in Anas Sarwar's camp admitted they now face a struggle in what looked an easily winnable seat. The mood has shifted as angry voters ditch Labour after last July's landslide Westminster victory over Sir Keir Starmer's policies like slashing winter fuel payments. Sources now worry Nigel Farage's Reform are set to split the anti-SNP vote in the June 5 contest and next year's Holyrood election. Russell Findlay quickfire Q&A UK Election fallout & buying Liam Gallagher's mum a drink One Labour insider said: 'To win we'll need to convince every single anti-Nat voter to back us, and for them all to turn out. I just don't think that is going to happen.' Polls show Reform on course to become Holyrood's second party after big gains in council elections down south. It has scuppered Scottish Labour chiefs' bid to bill themselves as 'the best way to stop the SNP' — as Reform also eat into the Tory base. Another Labour source said: 'If we can't win Hamilton, the writing is on the wall for 2026. There is a lot of pessimism at the top of Scottish Labour.'
Scottish Sun
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Labour chiefs fear Reform's surge will hand the SNP victory in the Hamilton by-election
The mood has shifted as angry voters ditch Labour after last July's landslide Westminster victory BY-ELECTION WOE Labour chiefs fear Reform's surge will hand the SNP victory in the Hamilton by-election Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DOOM-laden Labour chiefs fear Reform's surge will hand the SNP victory in the Hamilton by-election. Insiders in Anas Sarwar's camp admitted they now face a struggle in what looked an easily winnable seat. Sign up for the Politics newsletter Sign up The mood has shifted as angry voters ditch Labour after last July's landslide Westminster victory over Sir Keir Starmer's policies like slashing winter fuel payments. Sources now worry Nigel Farage's Reform are set to split the anti-SNP vote in the June 5 contest — triggered by the death of Nats MSP Christina McKelvie — and next year's Holyrood election. One Labour insider said: 'To win we'll need to convince every single anti-Nat voter to back us, and for them all to turn out. I just don't think that is going to happen.' Polls show Reform on course to become Holyrood's second party after big gains in council elections down south. It has scuppered Scottish Labour chiefs' bid to bill themselves as 'the best way to stop the SNP' — as Reform also eat into the Tory base. Another Labour source said: 'If we can't win Hamilton, the writing is on the wall for 2026. There is a lot of pessimism at the top of Scottish Labour.' Nats claimed Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse in 2021 with a 12.6 per cent majority. Glasgow Reform councillor Thomas Kerr said they expect a 'great result'. A Scottish Labour spokeswoman said: 'This by-election is a chance to call time on SNP mismanagement. Every vote for Reform is a vote to help the SNP.' Elsewhere, we told how a Scots porn star revealed her bid to turbo-charge Nigel Farage's Scots election campaign. I'll never give up booze, vows Nigel Farage as Reform tipped to make HUGE gains in local elections OnlyFans model Lana Wolf, 30, has held private talks with a senior Reform figure and aims to boost their surge north of the border.
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Reform UK are set to hand the SNP a fifth term at Holyrood by damaging Scottish Labour
Reform UK 's stunning success in the English local elections has massive implications for Scottish politics. The conventional analysis is that Nigel Farage is an English phenomenon with little resonance north of the border. But the reality is that the political earthquake which hit England will send powerful tremors to Scotland. Opinion polls had already predicted huge gains for Reform at the Holyrood election and council by-election results have been positive for Farage. The latest Survation poll predicted Reform would go from 0 MSPs to 12 - and that was one of the poorer polls for the anti-immigration party. Reform have eaten into Tory and Labour support in England and the same pattern is visible in Scotland. SNP and spells disaster for Anas Sarwar as he mounts his bid to become First Minister. All eyes are now on the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election for Holyrood on June 5th. With Reform on the march, there is a four way split on the pro-UK vote that shows no sign of healing. More than one doorknocker has been struck by the number of voters in this totemic South Lanarkshire by-election who are 'undecided'. Labour loyalists believe these voters are open to persuasion, but others say 'undecided' is code for Reform. Success breeds success and the gains made in the English locals will embolden by-election voters who feel tempted by Farage. Hamilton also feels like a forerunner of the Holyrood election. Labour's only path to power involves knocking down SNP first-past-the-post seats like skittles. But this task becomes near impossible if Farage 's party is winning between 10pc and 15pc in constituencies across Scotland. The Reform factor is already having a negative impact on Scottish Labour's strategy. Labour hammered the SNP at the general election after running a positive campaign based on change which appealed to soft Nationalist voters. But Farage's success is pulling Labou r in the opposite direction and making them focus on stopping core voters switching to Reform. Labour's campaign in Hamilton has retreated into the comfort zone of positioning themselves as the head of the anti-SNP coalition. Such an approach may appeal to some right wing voters but it will alienate the moderate Nats who voted Labour last year. Sarwar's problems have primarily been caused by the Labour Government. Keir Starmer 's administration has been defined by its blunders while being incapable of telling a positive story of where the UK is headed.
The Herald Scotland
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Curtice: Reform rise could damage Labour's by-election bid
His comments came as Anas Sarwar launched Scottish Labour's campaign in the constituency alongside candidate Davy Russell, insisting the 'crucial' by-election could serve as a 'launchpad' to seeing the SNP 'booted out of office' at next year's Holyrood election. Read more: Mr Sarwar said: 'That stark choice is: do we carry on the same path the SNP has taken us on over the last 18 years, or do we chart a different course and a better future for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse—and a better future for Scotland?' Speaking outside Mr Russell's home in the village of Quarter, the Scottish Labour leader added: 'We're fighting this by-election with the intention to win, and we will fight the Scottish Parliament election next year with the intention to win. 'But that is all going to be down to us persuading the good people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse. We've got to earn their trust, earn their support—and we want to do that for the whole of Scotland next year.' Prof John Curtice delivers his verdict on crucial by-election While Labour still trails the SNP in Scottish polls, Prof Curtice told The Herald this is a seat Labour 'would be expecting to win if they're having any chance of forming the next administration.' He said the constituency should suit Labour more than the SNP. 'The question is, how much does the SNP vote fall, and does it fall enough to land into Labour's lap? But Labour could pick it up just—and it will confirm the evidence in the opinion polls that they don't have a cat's chance in hell of winning the election,' he said. 'With all due respect, Anas Sarwar does not hold a great deal of responsibility for Labour's success last July. I think it can be attributed far more to Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and the SNP. 'And the reason why the Labour vote has gone down in Scotland is that what was very heavily a mixture of anti-Tory and anti-SNP voting melted away like the snow in April, in the wake of a UK government which has lost support very rapidly across the UK—and it's lost a lot of support here in Scotland.' He added: 'The point is that it's all about relative position, and the SNP kind of looks as though they've steadied the ship.' The SNP's candidate is Councillor Katy Loudon, while the Liberal Democrats have selected businesswoman Aisha Mir. The Conservative candidate is Richard Nelson, a councillor representing Larkhall on South Lanarkshire Council. He has been a member of the Netherton Covenanters Loyal Orange Lodge 233 since 2019 and previously worked as a comedy hypnotist. Reform UK's candidate is Ross Lambie, who defected from the Conservatives only last month. (Image: PA) Nigel FarageProf Curtice said: 'I would not be surprised if Reform pick up 10% of the vote or so—and a lot of it comes off the Tories. But again, this is part of Anas Sarwar's problem. 'Reform are picking up more votes off Labour north of the border than they are south of the border. 'That's undoubtedly because Labour's vote in Scotland is more of a protest vote than it is south of the border. "If you voted Conservative in 2019 and then were successfully persuaded to vote Labour tactically to send a message to the SNP—but weren't that enamoured with the Tories—and now see the messing Labour are doing, you might well end up in Reform.' Reform UK claimed its membership in Scotland has topped 10,000. It claims it now has more members in Scotland than the Tories, Liberal Democrats, Greens and Alba. The party, which does not currently have a Scottish leader, made the announcement after placing third in the Glenrothes and Thornton council by-election in Fife, which was won by the SNP, with Labour in second.
