Ian Murray MP for Edinburgh South has issued a statement after being sacked as Scottish Secretary.
In the statement he says that it was the honour of his life to be the first Labour Secretary of State for Scotland in 14 years.
He continued: “I am really proud of what we have achieved from the £10bn frigate deal with Norway, the UK supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh, the largest budget settlement in the history of devolution, GB Energy in Aberdeen, saving the Harland & Wolff yards, our Brand Scotland campaign, and putting the Scotland Office back into the service of ordinary working Scots.
“After the dreadful legacy from the previous government, there is a lot more to work to do and ! will continue to make sure more jobs and opportunities come to Scotland from the backbenches, from where Keir Starmer and the government will have my full support.
“I will remain as impatient for change as the public. Politics in the UK, and elsewhere, now is at a dangerous crossroads. It is the responsibility of us all in public life to make an argument for progressive change that brings prosperity, hope and our communities together, rather than furthering division and despair.”
He ended the letter: “I will forever be proud of having helped deliver 37 Scottish Labour MPs last year. I have always felt a responsibility, having been the sole Scottish Labour MP for so long, to bring on and nurture the next generation of elected politicians and staff. I hope that has left a legacy that will thrive in years to come.”
Lord George Foulkes said on X: “it is a disgraceful decision. He held the fort well as Shadow Secretary through the lean years & has been a brilliant Secretary of State.”
Scott Arthur MP for Edinburgh South West said: “I have nothing but respect for Ian. He has shown real loyalty to the party and its values, and redefined the role of Secretary of State for Scotland. He will be a hard act to follow.”
