First Minister Humza Yousaf met Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in Edinburgh on Tuesday for discussions covering the cost of living crisis, rail services, devolution, and relations with the UK Government. The meeting took place at St Andrew's House.
Burnham, a former Labour MP and two-time Labour leadership candidate, was in Edinburgh for an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe with former Labour MSP Neil Findlay. The meeting marked a contrast from a 2021 row between Burnham and Yousaf's predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon, over travel restrictions during the pandemic.
During a talk at Edinburgh's Freemasons Hall, Burnham said Labour must show it can bring hope to win the next election. He stated, “The Labour Party has put itself in a position where it can bring change... the Labour Party needs to show how it can bring hope.” He also hinted at a potential return to Westminster, saying, “If a path opens up in time then, of course, I’m not going to turn away from that.”
The official First Minister Twitter account posted about the meeting, sharing pictures of the pair together, which Burnham also shared.
