Ruth Black spreads the news of her election in Glasgow

As a result of the circumstance in which we were formed, on the back of an acrimonious split from the SSP, we were forced to fight this election on two fronts - against New Labour and their neoliberal agenda both at home and abroad, and against former socialists who have and continue to actively collude and collaborate with the establishment against Solidarity Co-Convenor, Tommy Sheridan. We understood that what was at stake in these elections was more than the gaining of seats in the Scottish Parliament or in council chambers the length and breadth of Scotland. We understood that what was at stake was ensuring that the banner of socialism, tarnished and undermined by the actions of those former socialists, was once again lifted up out of the mud and carried forward with dignity and pride.

This objective we have undoubtedly achieved.

In these elections the SNP were able to posit themselves as an anti-establishment alternative to New Labour on big issues such as Iraq, Trident, and the corruption which runs to the heart of the Blair government. Now we will see if their bellicose rhetoric is translated into action. If it is then we will support them on these issues. If not then they will be exposed. We will never tire, however, in opposing their pro-market and pro-business economic agenda, understanding that it will only lead to more misery and despair for ordinary working people and their families.

Meaningful change in society for working class and oppressed people only ever comes as a result of mass movements and local campaigns in which the working class come together and act to resist and put pressure on those in power. In so doing they gain, for however long, a sense of their own strength, which when harnessed is an unstoppable force.

In the months and years ahead, in local and national campaigns, in mass movements, Solidarity will exert a strong presence. Whether it be to resist hospital closures, attempts to sell of public assets, or privatisation, whether it be in trade union struggles or whether it be in the antiwar movement, we will demonstrate our commitment to the working class at home and to those abroad who are forced to suffer as a result of New Labour's attachment to the aims of US imperialism. We stand with the Iraqi and Afghan people, we support the Palestinians, and we continue to support the Cuban and Bolivarian revolutions. In short, we will never abandon those who stand on the front lines against neoliberalism and imperialism.

We also understand that the fight for freedom and justice takes place in different arenas, under the guise of various pretexts, and as such we are proud to have stood with Tommy Sheridan in his battle against the Murdoch Press. His record as a fighter on behalf of his class is impeccable, and despite the fierce pressure he has been under throughout this election as a result of a concerted campaign to smear and ultimately destroy him, his determination to continue fighting has been an inspiration to socialists, trade unionists and the working class throughout Scotland and beyond. 

We are proud to count Tommy Sheridan as one of our own and say to all who may seek his demise now or in the future that he does not and will not stand alone.

We are Solidarity, Scotland's Socialist Movement, a party that believes in taking sides, and we go on from these elections united and determined to carry the torch of socialism in Scotland forward.