Labour’s Douglas Alexander has said it is an “honour” to continue as Scottish Secretary in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s reshuffled ministerial team. Alexander, appointed last year by Sir Keir Starmer, held onto the post despite significant Cabinet changes that saw several Starmer allies removed.
The reshuffle included former defence secretary John Healey being named Chancellor, replacing Rachel Reeves. Alexander’s retention comes after criticism over his role in the Scottish Labour Holyrood campaign, which resulted in the party’s worst performance since devolution.
Alexander said he was “delighted to have the new Prime Minister’s confidence in the role” and vowed to be “Scotland’s voice around the Cabinet table, working constructively to solve problems.” He has held the position since September 2025, returning to Westminster after a decade away following his 2015 defeat to the SNP.
First Minister John Swinney adopted a conciliatory tone after a call with Burnham, saying he wanted a “constructive and positive relationship” with the UK Government. However, SNP MSP David Linden attacked Alexander’s reappointment, accusing him of deceiving both Starmer and Burnham and calling for Scotland’s constitutional future to be decided by its people.
