The Krankies of Scottish politics

Even in his most serious plays, Shakespeare used to insert a scene or two to relieve the dramatic tension. In Macbeth, it was the gravedigger. In the drama of the Scottish political scene, the Tories now provide the comic relief. The Sunday Times reports:

"SENIOR Scottish Tories are plotting to oust Annabel Goldie, their leader, for failing to revitalise her beleaguered party. While the Tories in England have enjoyed a resurgence under the leadership of David Cameron, Goldie, who succeeded David McLetchie last year, is facing mounting criticism from within as her party continues to trail heavily in the polls...
Murdo Fraser, the deputy leader, is seen as her most obvious successor. However, party sources say other potential candidates include Jackson Carlaw, a car dealer standing next year for the West of Scotland region. “The party needs somebody like Carlaw, who has the business background and life experience to make a good leader. Annabel Goldie should be a Girl Guide commissioner,” said one senior Tory."

You've got to laugh: Mr Carlaw, a car dealer, never elected to anything, as the saviour of the Tories? Mr Fraser, right wing ideologue, appealing to the Scottish electorate? You can only feel sorry for Ms Goldie (and for the record I'm sure that she would make an excellent Girl Guide Commissioner).