Scottish Labour politician, Leader since 2021
As governments weigh approvals for the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields off Scotland, ministers are expected to announce decisions soon. The debate centers on energy security and jobs versus climate impact and the pace of the energy transition.
Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, arguing the government has fallen short in funding the Defence Investment Plan. Sir Keir Starmer says the plan will deliver a sustainable, increased defence budget, but warns of reallocations across government. The move follows days of resignations and mounting pressure over readiness and international threats.
Multiple Edinburgh schools face overcrowding as VAT on private school fees is cited as contributing to demand shifts. Parents report cramped spaces, with pupils eating in toilets and sharing facilities while councils contemplate urgent action and longer-term plans.
More than 80 firefighters and about 30 trucks have contained a fire at a single building on Victoria Street, Richmond. The blaze affected adjacent shopfronts; the premises was unoccupied. Victoria Police are investigating a ram raid and arson. Thick smoke has prompted VicEmergency alerts and road closures.
A large railway embankment fire in Walthamstow has drawn more than 100 firefighters, prompting road closures, rail disruption, and evacuation of nearby residents. Authorities advise keeping windows and doors shut and avoid the area as the blaze continues to burn and investigators assess the cause.
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as Labour's new leader, pledging to unite the party and reverse four decades of neoliberal policies. He outlines five points, including devolution and a distinctively Labour approach, while delaying final cabinet selections until after the handover. The speech signals a shift but leaves policy details unclear as Reform gathers momentum.
The piece assesses how Andy Burnham, newly positioned prime minister, has pledged significant policy changes and unity within Labour as he navigates rebellions and expects tough decisions ahead. He aims to restore public trust after a contentious 2024 and 2025 period, while facing internal challenges and voter scrutiny.
Anas Sarwar has indicated a transition from Scottish Labour leader to a Westminster role, moving to the House of Lords as a business minister. The shift follows Labour's worst Holyrood showing and questions about leadership succession, with analysis noting cross-UK dynamics and implications for party strategy.
Scottish Labour has confirmed Anas Sarwar has stood down as party leader and will join UK government, prompting acting leadership by Dame Jackie Baillie and potential leadership bids from Michael Marra and Monica Lennon as the party reassesses after a heavy Holyrood defeat.
The Prime Minister has met Scotland’s First Minister in Glasgow amid Commonwealth Games coverage, arguing for deeper devolution to spur growth while ruling out a new independence referendum. Both leaders commit to constructive engagement and addressing the cost of living.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% business rates reduction for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, a package the government says will save a typical pub about £1,100 a year and cost roughly £100m. Ministers are proposing to fund it by reviewing reliefs for vape shops and cracking down on online tax non-compliance.
The government has unveiled plans to give England’s mayoral authorities a share of income tax to fund local development. While praised as a potential fix for regional inequality, the policy will take years to implement and risk leaving slower-growing areas behind, as councils seek to borrow for major projects amid central oversight.
The Scotsman reports that SNP governance faces scrutiny over Monklands Hospital funding promises. Critics argue the project was unaffordable and that voters were misled before the election. Nicola Sturgeon’s memoir foreword and John Swinney’s defence spark further debate about the SNP’s record and future path.
Scottish Labour is facing a leadership race after Anas Sarwar's departure to accept a UK government role. The contest centers on infighting and a push to impose five budget tests if elected, aiming to secure concessions from the SNP ahead of next year’s council elections.
Two candidates remain in the Scottish Labour leadership contest after Monica Lennon fails to secure enough nominations. Michael Marra and Joe Fagan now contest the ballot to replace Anas Sarwar, who has joined Andy Burnham’s government. Lennon accuses the party of being stuck in the past while Marra and Fagan vow to rebuild and unite Labour.
Michael Marra and Joe Fagan are vying to lead Scottish Labour. In speeches and interviews, Marra pledges to deliver change from the opposition, while Fagan emphasizes leadership style and unity. The race remains open with a mid-September result expected.
Labour has seen a small improvement in polling under Andy Burnham, but experts say the gains may be fragile. Reform UK faces scrutiny over funding and leadership turmoil, while the rise of Restore Britain adds to a fragmented right. Across multiple polls, Labour’s share remains around the low to mid-20s, with Reform similarly challenged.