It is one of the great ironies of Scottish politics that the party which legislated to recreate Scotland’s Parliament is now struggling to maintain a prominent foothold in that legislature. I refer, of course, to Scottish Labour, just about to declare a new leader after a miserable performance in May’s Holyrood election and the subsequent departure of Anas Sarwar.

Whether Michael Marra or Joe Fagan win, there will be talk of policy renewal, of unity, of co-operating with other parties, of rebuilding links with Scotland’s struggling communities, of projecting a distinctively Scottish profile while working closely with Andy Burnham.

Already, under Jackie Baillie, the party’s decidedly able interim leader, I have detected a slight change of tone. Perhaps less reactively abrasive. A fraction more consensual, notably over the plans to reform our health service. Thus reflecting the popular mood – which is heartily sick of bogus inter-party indignation.

But, for Scottish Labour, there is a fundamental challenge. It may appear bizarre but the party has yet to adapt sufficiently to devolved politics. To the sharing of political power across these islands. To the imperative to promote distinctively Scottish politics alongside winning and sustaining power at Westminster.

Labour in Scotland faces a conundrum. Is it an intrinsic part of a wider movement whose aim is to embed social reform across Great Britain? In every postcode, as Andy Burnham would undoubtedly say. Or is it also a Scottish party, with Scottish roots, paying heed to the needs and wishes of the Scottish electorate – even if those, on occasion, may depart from the Westminster path?

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