Dame Jackie Baillie, deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party, has stressed that cooperation between the UK Government and the Scottish Government is paramount as Andy Burnham prepares to become prime minister. Burnham, the former Greater Manchester mayor who returned to Westminster as MP for Makerfield last month, was confirmed Labour leader on Friday and will enter No 10 on Monday.
Burnham's Devolution Focus
During his leadership campaign, Burnham prioritised devolution, pledging to decentralise Westminster, including extending the prime minister's office to Manchester, a plan dubbed “No 10 North”. Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland’s Sunday Show, Baillie stated that Burnham must consider all aspects of what should be devolved to Scotland “in the round”.
Cooperation Over Powers Debate
“What matters to me is that there’s cooperation between the UK Government and the Scottish Government, and that we always act in the interests of Scottish people,” Baillie said. She cited reducing energy bills as an example where both governments can work together without lengthy disputes over devolved powers. “Let’s just get on with the job of delivering for the people of Scotland,” she added, expressing confidence that Burnham and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar would do so.
Holyrood Election Losses
In the Holyrood elections in May, Scottish Labour lost five seats, reducing its total to 17, alongside the new party Reform Scotland. Before the elections, Sarwar had called for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, arguing that “the distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change”. He believed a series of “mistakes” were undermining Labour’s prospects.
Disappointment and Reflection
Baillie confirmed that during the election campaign, voters frequently raised concerns about Starmer and the UK Labour Party. “I think people are disappointed. I think we all are disappointed,” she said. “This is a period for serious reflection… We are talking to members and activists, looking at what we could have done differently, and to learn lessons for the future.” She noted that the political context was “hugely damaging” to their election prospects, with voters on “every door, if not every second door” expressing concerns about Starmer and the UK Labour Government.
