30 June 2016: Dugdale off to the USA attending an indoctrination course – But her deputy Alex Rowley is not fit to lead the party in her absence
Dugdale’s attendance on the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program this month may also create a headache for her party, with relations between the two at a low ebb insiders are speculating about who will lead the party when she is abroad.
It is understood Dugdale will remain in charge while she is away and a rota for Shadow Cabinet members will be in place to provide day-to-day cover.
A senior Scottish Tory source said: “It’s no surprise Scottish Labour is responding to the upheaval at Westminster with added chaos of its own. Scottish Labour needs to get a grip, not descend into further turmoil over its internal splits.”
An SNP spokesperson said: “At a time of national crisis, with the UK economy in turmoil following the EU referendum result, political parties have a duty and a responsibility to step up to the mark, show some leadership, and work to find a way forward. It is shameful that both the Tory UK government and the Labour opposition have instead chosen to abdicate their responsibilities. They have no plan and rather than uniting to come up with one they are indulging in infighting and naval gazing at the expense of the country.”
The Usa’s indoctrination programme
The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State’s premier professional exchange program. Through short-term visits to the United States, current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields experience this country first-hand and cultivate lasting relationships with their American counterparts. Professional meetings reflect the participants’ professional interests and support the foreign policy goals of the United States.
This is the same direction taken by Blair, Brown and others in New Labour before taking up the reins of government. Blair, etc. left the UK unilateral anti-nuclear and returned pro-nuclear. Howzat!!!
caltonjock 
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