Swinney wants 'constructive relationship' with Labour leader Burnham
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Swinney wants 'constructive relationship' with Labour leader Burnham
3 days ago
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Reuters
Burnham said his government would deliver the biggest change in British politics in 40 years
Scotland's first minister says he hopes to build a "constructive relationship" with Andy Burnham that will improve the lives of people in Scotland.
John Swinney congratulated the former mayor of Greater Manchester after he was confirmed as UK Labour's new leader.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said he could feel a "real sense of hope and optimism" within the party after Burnham's first speech as leader.
Burnham said his government would deliver the biggest change in British politics in 40 years as he takes over from Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister on Monday.
Five headaches Andy Burnham will have to deal with as PM
But Swinney said Burnham faced "serious challenges on a number of fronts", including "flatlining living standards, weak economic growth and years of austerity" that have left public services and businesses struggling.
He said: "If Andy Burnham is serious about a genuinely new approach that can properly address these challenges, he will find in me and the SNP a willing partner.
"But that relationship must be based on a recognition that the political landscape across the UK is changing, and that Westminster does not have the right to dictate Scotland's future."
PA Media
John Swinney said that if Burnham brings a new approach, the SNP will be a willing partner
In a speech to Labour MPs and supporters, Burnham said he would give "hope back" to working class communities who the political class had "turned its back" on.
Speaking at the TUC headquarters in central London, he vowed to reindustrialise the country.
The former mayor also outlined plans for devolving more power away from Westminster to the English regions.
Anas Sarwar said Labour's challenge was to make sure communities feel the hope and optimism and "see that politics can deliver for them".
He told BBC news: "The reason we have to make sure this works, the reason we have to unify behind Andy Burnham and make sure this is a successful UK Labour government, is because the fight that we face in the coming years is even bigger than what happens inside the Labour party.
"We have a fight for the heart and soul of our nation.
"It's either going to be a success with Andy Burnham, or it's going to be a country in the hands of Nigel Farage and the new right."
PA Media
Anas Sarwar said Labour's challenge was to make communities feel a new "hope and optimism"
Sarwar was the first major Labour figure to call for Keir Starmer to quit, arguing in February that "too many mistakes" had been made by the UK government.
But he said Burnham, the new MP for Makerfield, would bring a fresh approach as party leader.
"I've been open about my criticisms before, I'd rather focus on the future," he said.
"Having left Westminster, having to see the battles his region has had to take against Westminster, I think has given him a different perspective on how politics impacts communities outside of the Westminster bubble."
'One Labour team'
Burnham was backed to be leader by 379 Labour MPs, as well as all 11 trade unions affiliated to the party, earlier this week.
His successful bid follows his by-election win in Makerfield last month.
In a message to Labour MPs, Burnham said he would work to build a culture of "one Labour team".
"We won't beat Britain's new right if we are consumed by infighting and pulling in different directions," he said.
He said he had made no decisions about who would be in his government, but that it would reflect "all parts of our party" and "all communities".
There has been speculation about who will be taking the top jobs, with Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood thought to be in the running to replace Rachel Reeves as chancellor.
Sir Keir Starmer resigned as Labour leader last month, saying he accepted he was not best placed to lead his party into the next general election.
Burnham promises to 'bring back hope' as he becomes Labour leader
What does Andy Burnham mean for Scottish Labour?
Andy Burnham
Labour Party
Scotland
John Swinney
Anas Sarwar
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