Labour MPs planning to boycott the party’s conference in Perth over plans for further devolution have been branded an “idiot crowd”.
Reports circulated that a number of Westminster politicians would not be making the trip as they are increasingly frustrated with Scottish leader Johann Lamont’s proposals to fully devolve income tax to Holyrood.
That led to the SNP claiming the party was “split down the middle”.
However, a Westminster Labour source told The Courier: “I wouldn’t take it that seriously. The stuff that’s coming out is the usual nonsense that doesn’t have any sway down here anyway.
“Discussions are still ongoing and it’s getting to crunch point. This is just the usual idiot crowd that have a pint on the terrace and say ‘we are not doing that’.”
A senior Scottish party source added: “This is not a battle between any sections of the party. This is a debate to which anyone can contribute in any way.”
One MP was reported to have said: “I won’t be going because if I was asked I would just come right out and say I oppose these plans.”
SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson said: “It’s becoming clearer by the day that Johann Lamont is losing control of her party.”
