Labour claims general election landslide will end 'fear and division'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference after his first Cabinet meeting. Image: PA

Labour’s general election landslide represents a seismic shift in Scottish politics that can signal an end to “fear and division”, according to the party’s leaders north and south of the border.

Sir Keir Starmer will meet with First Minister John Swinney today as he visits all four nations of the UK and seeks to reinforce his “clear mandate” to govern all corners of the country.

It is part of a push by the new prime minister to transform how politicians operate and repair a breakdown in relations between the UK and Scottish governments.

Labour won 37 seats in Scotland on Thursday after struggling in previous general elections, returning just one MP in 2019.

‘A mandate to govern all four corners’

After sweeping to a historic victory at the polls, Sir Keir said his government will be focused on delivery and service, adding: “Self interest is yesterday’s politics.”

Sir Keir said: “For the first time in 20-plus years, we have a majority in England, in Scotland and in Wales.

“And that is a clear mandate to govern for all four corners of the United Kingdom.”

Speaking during his first press conference as prime minister, the Labour leader said he is keen to establish a different and better way of working that recognises the contributions of all four nations.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer during a visit to the High Street in Kirkcaldy, Fife. Image: PA

He said it was a “moment in history” on Saturday as some of his top team received their privy seals, which was followed by a meeting in Number 10.

Sir Keir added: “At that meeting, I had the opportunity to set out to my Cabinet precisely what I expect of them in terms of standards, delivery and the trust that the country has put in them.”

‘The most remarkable opportunity’

One member of that team was new Scottish Secretary Ian Murray.

He told The Sunday Post he plans to transform the Scotland Office to ensure it as seen by the public as a department fully representing Scotland.

Murray said: “We’ve got to reset the relationship between the Scotland Office and Scottish Government.

“I’ve said consistently that we need to work together and in partnership. The public expect that.

“There is a real step change happening and the bottom line is that is what the public voted for.”

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray leaving 10 Downing Street. Image: PA

Co-operation over conflict

Speaking during a visit in Clarkston yesterday, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said the Labour government will prioritise co-operation over conflict.

He said: “We have turned Scottish politics on its head. There is a seismic shift now in Scottish politics.

“The politics of fear and division is in retreat and the politics of hope, unity and delivery is on the rise.”

Sarwar insisted Sir Keir “understands and cares for” Scotland and will work in the national interest.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar on a walkabout in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire. Image: PA

But he also signalled that Labour is eyeing further electoral success at the next Scottish Parliament election.

Sarwar said: “We’ve seen for far too long conflict over co-operation and ultimately it is the people of Scotland that have missed out.

“We will always act in the national interest, we will always work together, where we can, to deliver for the Scottish people.

“But let’s be really clear – we’re not talking about a Scottish Government that is new. This is an SNP government that has been in charge for 17 years.

“Yes, we’ll work together in the national interest to deliver for the people of Scotland, but I have always been clear that this is just stage one of the change.

“Stage two comes in 2026.”

Pushing forward in Scottish Parliament

Sarwar said Labour will redouble its efforts “to advocate what the change will be in 2026”.

He said: “I want Scottish Labour to play its full part in delivering a UK Labour Government, not to be a drag on the ticket, but to be a gateway to that government.

“But I also will not stop until we actually, in 2026, elect a Scottish Labour government.”

In a phone call with Sir Keir on Friday evening, Swinney outlined his priorities in government and expressed his belief that the UK and Scottish governments can work together for the “benefit of people in Scotland”.

A spokesperson said: “The first minister spoke with the prime minister by telephone this evening and congratulated him on his appointment.

“He committed to working collaboratively and co-operatively with the UK Government on areas of mutual interest.

“The first minister has outlined his priorities in government and believes there are many ways in which the two governments can work together to deliver progress on them for the benefit of people in Scotland.”