Scottish Labour deputy leader asks members to 'give us your money' ahead of Holyrood election

Jackie Baillie urged people to “contribute financially to our campaign” at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool.

At the Scots Night fringe event, the Dumbarton MSP explained that the party had launched ‘The Thistle Network’ - a means by which people can give money to the party and get something in return.

Donors can contribute £1,000, £3,500 or £8,000 for a Silver, Gold or Platinum service.

The three tiers “offer unique opportunities to connect with our work in Scotland.”

These include tickets to the annual winter gala dinner, which is attended by senior Scottish Labour figures, and access to lounges at the party conference, according to a booklet given out by the party.

They also provide access to a “welcome event” and “an in conversation with event”.

Ms Baillie said onstage at Scots Night: “Whether it’s using your shoe leather to come campaign with us, to knock on doors with us, to deliver leaflets with us, that’s great.

“But if you can’t do that, we have launched the Thistle Network.

“The Thistle Network is about you being able to contribute financially to our campaign.

“Campaigns need money to run and we need your help to do that.

“So if you want to be part of delivering a Labour government in Scotland, then please do that.

“And let me say to you, when the press, when the pollsters, when the pundits said we couldn’t win in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse, we proved them wrong.

“We didn’t come third, as they said we would do. We didn’t even come fourth.

“We blew the doors down and we came first.

“And I have to say, you know, Davy Russell was a great candidate, but we also had the best Labour organisation, the best team led by Kate Watson, we had a phenomenal ground operation and you ain’t seen nothing yet.

“So I’m telling you, come May, I will be proud that Anas Sarwar is Scotland’s next First Minister.

“So give us your money. Come help us. Thank you so much.”

SNP MSP George Adam MSP said: “Jackie Baillie and the Labour Party have serious questions to answer about what wealthy donors will expect in return for their cash."

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: ‘When corporate donors are giving large sums to political parties, it is never good news.

“They aren't giving money to be nice: it's to get something in return.

“We've seen that in England, where private health lobbyists and other vested interests have bankrolled Keir Starmer's government and benefited from favourable policies, including the privatisation of our NHS.

“We need a strong and transparent democracy, not a political system that money can buy. That means taking a serious look at how most political parties are funded and how lobbyists and wealthy donors are held accountable.”

A Scottish Labour spokesman said: “The Labour party accepts donations in ways which are legally regulated and we do so in line with the law.”