MacDonald and independents form anti-war political groupA NEW political group in the Scottish Parliament is likely to be born next week after the expulsion of Margo MacDonald from the SNP.
It will be known, at least until the May elections, as the Anti-War Alliance.
The left-wing group will comprise Holyrood's five "minority" MSPs, enough to be recognised and earn voting rights on the powerful business bureau which sets the parliament's agenda.
A core of five MSPs who form a group have the right to one bureau seat. A source said: "There are now five minorities and it makes obvious sense to group together and increase their voice on the bureau."
Along with Ms MacDonald who will fight the Lothians regional list at the election as an independent, the other four members will be: Tommy Sheridan, leader of the Scottish Socialists; Robin Harper, the Greens; Dennis Canavan, independent MSP for Falkirk West; and Dorothy-Grace Elder, elected on the Glasgow regional list for the SNP but now an independent.
All five MSPs are left-wingers, anti-war, and all believe in Scottish independence.
The Herald
