Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has contrasted the “calm and elegance” of the Scottish Parliament with the “utter chaos” of Westminster, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure over his leadership. More than 80 Labour MPs have called for his resignation, four ministers have quit, and reports suggest Health Secretary Wes Streeting could mount a leadership challenge.
Speaking at Holyrood, Mr Swinney said: “I’m not altogether sure what is happening in Westminster just now. But I think the contrast could not be greater between the calm and the elegance of the Scottish Parliament, with a government with a clear and commanding lead, able to take forward its steps to establish itself, and the utter chaos in the Labour Government in London.”
The SNP leader expressed “enormous pride” at being the first MSP to be sworn in as leader of the largest party at Holyrood, following the SNP’s fifth consecutive election victory. He said: “I’m delighted to have got to this point where I’ve led the SNP to a fifth successive victory and to have a commanding position in Parliament, and I look forward to forming a government next week.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar declined to comment on Westminster turmoil, stating he focused on Holyrood. He welcomed the news that former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner had been cleared by HMRC over her stamp duty.
