The Herald

The Herald | Politics


In pictures: Sir Keir Starmer's tenure after stepping down as prime minister
by craig.alexander@heraldandtimes.co.uk | Craig Alexander
22 Jun 2026 at 1:00pm
Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister following intense pressure from senior Cabinet ministers - here we revisit his tenure since the summer of 2024.


Glasgow: The Next Chapter - The Herald's new series explores the future of th...
by joe.donnelly2@newsquest.co.uk | Joe Donnelly
22 Jun 2026 at 12:00pm
The Herald's latest in-depth investigative series explores the future of Scotland's largest city through the lens of culture, business, people and more.


When will Labour hold a leadership election after Sir Keir Starmer's resignat...
by David Hughes and Christopher McKeon
22 Jun 2026 at 10:54am
Sir Keir Starmer has quit as Labour leader and Prime Minister. But what happens now?


Nigel Farage demands general election after Keir Starmer announces resignation
by hannah.brown@newsquest.co.uk | Hannah Brown
22 Jun 2026 at 10:25am
Nigel Farage has called for an immediate general election after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister.


Burnham could be PM next month as Streeting backs him for top job
22 Jun 2026 at 10:23am
Andy Burnham could be in Downing Street by this time next month under the timetable set out by Sir Keir Starmer for his departure.


Christian leaders across UK call for an end to Israel's occupation of Palestine
by gaby.mckay@newsquest.co.uk | Gabriel McKay
22 Jun 2026 at 10:06am
Faith leaders from across the UK have formed a cross-denominational coalition calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine


Keir Starmer speech in full as he announces resignation as Prime Minister
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
22 Jun 2026 at 9:51am
Sir Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister and Labour leader following a speech outside No10 Downing Street. Here is his speech in full.


Keir Starmer resigns as prime minister paving way for Andy Burnham
by andrew.learmonth@newsquest.co.uk | Andrew Learmonth
22 Jun 2026 at 8:17am
Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister following intense pressure from senior Cabinet ministers. Holding back tears outside Downing Street, he confirmed a timetable to replace him will conclude before parliament returns this September, paving the way for Andy Burnham.


Ministers warned child poverty review risks ?step back? for 100,000 children
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
22 Jun 2026 at 6:00am
Scottish ministers have been warned the plans to review how child poverty targets are measured could make things worse.


Andy Burnham set to be next Prime Minister as Starmer quits ? live
22 Jun 2026 at 6:03am
Andy Burnham could be Prime Minister within weeks after he confirmed he will stand to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.


Pressure mounts on government over The Promise amid dangerous data gaps
by rebecca.mccurdy@newsquest.co.uk | Rebecca McCurdy
22 Jun 2026 at 5:00am
The Scottish Government has been told it must address the data gaps which means Scotland does not record premature deaths in care-experienced young people.


If Downing Street lecterns could talk what would they say about no-longer-her...
by alison.rowat@theherald.co.uk | Alison Rowat
22 Jun 2026 at 12:25pm
If Downing Street lecterns could talk, what would they say? Just one thought to occupy the mind while waiting for Sir Keir Starmer to take the short stroll towards his fate on Monday morning.


Nicola Sturgeon to appear on new reality TV drama show after Murrell conviction
22 Jun 2026 at 9:09am
Nicola Sturgeon is to appear as herself, in the role of UK deputy prime minister, in a new Sky TV reality drama about a fictional attack on Britain by Russia.


Glasgow-led study finds child payment cuts food insecurity but families struggle
by joe.donnelly2@newsquest.co.uk | Joe Donnelly
21 Jun 2026 at 9:02pm
University of Glasgow-led research found the Scottish Child Payment reduces food insecurity and deprivation, but many families remain under pressure.

The Scotsman

The Scotsman Politics


Sir Keir Starmer LIVE: Prime Minister expected to set out plans to resign
22 Jun 2026 at 8:47am

Follow along live as the Prime Minister is expected to announce his resignation.

We all need to listen

Lloyd Melville shares his own experience of Scotland?s homelessness crisis after spending months in temporary accommodation as a teenager

A cross-party letter to coastguard bosses has warned lives and communities are being put at risk by the decision

Scottish Labour has argued the figures show Scotland?s NHS ?cannot cope?

Nicola Sturgeon and former Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland George Robertson will take part in the show

?Hatred has been whipped up and amplified by algorithms and by powerful voices? - Edinburgh Green MSPs

Sir Keir Starmer is expected to set out his timetable for departure on Monday

Wings over Scotland

The End Of Law
20 Jun 2026 at 2:05pm
This really is the most extraordinary statement. The short version is “We’re going to keep breaking the law every day while we think about whether we want it to apply to us or not”. And the really depressing thing is that that’s very much par for the course in the world of the Scottish establishment. …

A Fishy Tale
19 Jun 2026 at 9:54am
It is, if you’re a bit dim, almost possible to believe this. But not for very long. Because while the Labour vote collapsed by a staggering 87% in Aberdeen South last night, the Tory vote only went up by about a third of that. Labour lost 10,000 votes but the SNP also lost 7,000 and …

Response Level Upgrade
12 Jun 2026 at 12:48pm
Our first letter was answered/dismissed by “Service Adviser 1989847”, so this reply to our second one, while it doesn’t say much, definitely feels like a step up. Our KC has offered all possible assistance to the Cyber and Fraud Unit in relation to the matter, and we’ll keep you posted with any developments, readers.

Wider Than A Mile
10 Jun 2026 at 1:06pm
In this scene, John Swinney is portrayed by Stewie Griffin (the baby), and the faithful membership of the SNP is portrayed by Brian Griffin (the dog). ? We’re not sure any words are needed after that, but what the heck, we’re here now. Because it’s really, really difficult to overstate the blind idiot gullibility of …

The Ever-Changing Lie
9 Jun 2026 at 12:28pm
We have an update, folks. Because they don’t even care about keeping their bullshit straight. So the full sequence now runs: (1) “The money isn’t missing, it’s all still there and ringfenced for a second indyref. Anyone who says otherwise is a loony conspiracy theorist.” (Feb 2020) (2) “Okay, it’s not ringfenced, it’s woven in …

The Massive Face Of Truth
7 Jun 2026 at 11:01am
If you?d like to watch a 21-minute video of me banging on about Operation Branchform and whatnot to the Scottish Sun, click the image below. If you?d rather not watch that, best not to click it.

In pursuit of clarity
6 Jun 2026 at 11:12am
Wings has today sent the following emails. - The Chief Constable Police Scotland 5 Fettes Avenue Edinburgh EH4 1RB 6 June 2026 Thank you for your (very swift) reply to my letter. However, I am afraid that it leaves more questions than answers. Firstly, you state that Police Scotland ?have been advised? that the information …

The Interesting Words Round
5 Jun 2026 at 7:42pm
We received two emails today, just a few minutes apart. There are a couple of notable things about them. The first came from Claire Somebody at the Crown Office. The second one, even more thrillingly, came from Service Advisor 1989847 at Police Scotland, which we assume is some sort of advanced crime-fighting robot. In one …

The Lord Of The Rings
5 Jun 2026 at 12:14pm
John Swinney knows the rules. He can’t pretend he doesn’t. ? So let there be no mistake about this: if Police Scotland and the Crown Office refuse to investigate the First Minister’s open public confirmation this week that a serious crime was committed by the SNP over the “ring-fenced” fundraiser money from 2017 and 2019, …

The Aims Of Justice
4 Jun 2026 at 5:59pm
Wings has today sent the following letter to the named recipients. – The Chief Constable Police Scotland 5 Fettes Avenue Edinburgh EH4 1RB Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service 25 Chambers Street Edinburgh EH1 1LA 4 June 2026 . Dear Chief Constable and Crown Office, RE: REQUEST FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION ? ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION OF RING-FENCED …

Craig Murray

The UK Joins the Pirates
15 Jun 2026 at 1:21pm

I was genuinely surprised by the Starmer regime’s refusal to state that the Israeli boarding of the Global Sumud flotilla on the High Seas was illegal. I did not realise it was because the UK was planning to undertake similar illegal seizure itself. The Gaza Flotilla seizure was illegal: while for obvious reasons freedom of …

The UK Joins the Pirates

Sentencing the Innocent
13 Jun 2026 at 4:41pm

Judge Johnson had proved his fascist credentials through rulings much earlier in the Filton trial than his vicious sentencing. Indeed, he had arguably already shown them when he released Tommy Robinson from a prison sentence, or when as a barrister he had chosen to work for the intelligence services and Ministry of Defence. But in …

Sentencing the Innocent

The Joy of Resistance
6 Jun 2026 at 9:51am

Just a quick note to say that I am very aware that lately I have been rather bitter, which is not good for anybody, especially me. The disappointments and state outrages have been no worse than usual; my frustration at my poor health, and the subsequent constraint of my ability to fight back, has rather …

The Joy of Resistance

The Power of the UK State Over Scotland
28 May 2026 at 7:50am

I went through yesterday’s preliminary hearing in the Scottish judicial review of the proscription of Palestine Action with a sense of mounting horror. We had the same judge as at the permission hearing, Lord Young. We had exactly the same arguments and the same case law being deployed again by the UK government as at …

The Power of the UK State Over Scotland

Palestine Action Scottish Judicial Review ? Stitch-Up Incoming?
27 May 2026 at 12:58am

The proscription of Palestine Action was sold to MPs and the media on the basis of a deliberate campaign of lies, fronted by Yvette Cooper, then Home Secretary, and Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan police. Both have deep commitment to Israel. Cooper is owned by the Israel lobby. What is worse, they then attempted …

Palestine Action Scottish Judicial Review – Stitch-Up Incoming?

Dr Manivannan
14 May 2026 at 6:00pm

The furore around the election of Dr Manivannan to the Scottish Parliament is deeply troubling. There is no argument whatsoever that they were eligible to stand for election. The law was changed specifically in order for those on temporary visas to be able to stand in Scottish parliamentary elections. I confess I am not sure …

Dr Manivannan

BBC Scotland

Sarwar 'proud' of work with Starmer despite resignation call
22 Jun 2026 at 1:35pm
The Scottish Labour leader was the first major party figure to call for the prime minister to quit.

Sturgeon and Gove to team up for reality TV 'wargame'
22 Jun 2026 at 10:47am
The former first minister is to serve as deputy prime minister in a simulation of a Russian attack on the UK.

Judge rules Scottish guidance for housing trans prisoners is unlawful
19 Jun 2026 at 4:05pm
Judge Lady Ross said sex segregation in prisons must be based on biological sex, based on a Supreme Court ruling last year.

Historic by-election win sends message to Labour and SNP - Badenoch
19 Jun 2026 at 2:20pm
Kemi Badenoch hailed the Scottish Conservatives' first by-election win since 1973, after the party took Aberdeen South from the SNP.

Scottish Conservatives win first Westminster by-election in more than 50 years
19 Jun 2026 at 10:07am
The Tories take Aberdeen South, while the SNP wins in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry.

Tories pick themselves up off the floor with unexpected Scottish by-election win
19 Jun 2026 at 11:57am
The Conservatives secured a comfortable victory over the SNP in Aberdeen South after throwing everything at the seat.

Swinney apologises to girl at centre of Dundee viral knife video
18 Jun 2026 at 5:34pm
The child brandished weapons at a Bulgarian man who was later convicted of assaulting her.

Highland Council to work with businesses on new visitor levy
19 Jun 2026 at 9:27am
The local authority put on hold previous plans last year following concerns from tourism bodies.

Holyrood restricts media access to politicians after FMQs
18 Jun 2026 at 7:12pm
A designated area for journalists was set out by the Scottish parliament on Thursday.

Ruth Charteris KC named as Scotland's next top law officer
16 Jun 2026 at 3:10pm
Charteris will replace Dorothy Bain KC as lead of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and chief legal adviser to the Scottish government.

Commissioner 'disappointed' by social media ban for children
15 Jun 2026 at 12:51pm
Nicola Killean warned that a ban "may inadvertently push children to less regulated or riskier parts of the internet".

Scotland on front line in fight against Russia - MP
14 Jun 2026 at 1:29pm
Graeme Downie's comments came as British armed forces boarded a sanctions-busting Russian oil tanker in the English Channel.

Scot Goes Pop

SNP settle for one by-election win out of two - but Keir Starmer will only be...
19 Jun 2026 at 2:27pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: New low for BBC as they abuse Scottish World Cup coverage as a ...

By-election analysis
19 Jun 2026 at 10:50am
Just a quick note to let you know that I have a new article at The National analysing last night's three by-election results, which you can read HERE.  I'll try to make a video later on as well, al...

Burnham still in the danger zone in Makerfield by-election, say two out of th...
17 Jun 2026 at 7:49am
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: New low for BBC as they abuse Scottish World Cup coverage as a ...

New low for BBC as they abuse Scottish World Cup coverage as a licence fee en...
14 Jun 2026 at 3:01pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: BOMBSHELL as French Government reveals there was Israeli interf...

BOMBSHELL as French Government reveals there was Israeli interference in the ...
12 Jun 2026 at 7:10pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: Of course Good Morning Britain should apologise for its anti-Sc...

Of course Good Morning Britain should apologise for its anti-Scottish chauvin...
10 Jun 2026 at 1:49pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: Sparkling YouGov subsample puts spring in SNP's step as crucial...

Sparkling YouGov subsample puts spring in SNP's step as crucial by-elections ...
9 Jun 2026 at 8:16pm
An audio podcast version of the above video can be heard HERE, and will soon be available on Apple Podcasts HERE.Other recent videos: BIG BOOST for independence support in pre-election YouGov poll ...

The Scot Goes Popcast is now available on Apple Podcasts
8 Jun 2026 at 1:47am
I hope this will be of some use to someone, because it's taken me days of torture to get to this point.  Apple may be one of the largest companies in the world, but its website is a baffling, bug-r...

STV Politics News

Latest Politics News | STV News

Sir Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister as Andy Burnham set to step up
22 Jun 2026 at 9:23am
Former mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has announced he will stand to replace Sir Keir

Keir Starmer ?on brink of resigning? as Andy Burnham returns to Westminster
22 Jun 2026 at 5:56am
Burnham is due to be sworn in as Makerfield's MP on Monday, while the PM is reported to have spent the weekend mulling over his political future.

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to play UK deputy prime minister in new...
21 Jun 2026 at 8:39pm
The four-part show sees an impressive cross-party cast of highly experienced public figures who must navigate a war with Russia.

?I wish him well?: Trump says Starmer will resign as Prime Minister
21 Jun 2026 at 5:44am
Several senior Labour voices, including the Foreign Secretary, have urged the prime minister to step down.

Starmer under pressure to quit after Burnham?s by-election win
19 Jun 2026 at 11:02pm
Sir Keir Starmer is understood to have spoken to a number of Cabinet ministers on Friday.

Commons leaders pressed over ?safeguards? for public cash after Peter Murrell...
19 Jun 2026 at 3:57pm
Patricia Ferguson, the chair of the Scottish Affairs Committee, has written to both the Clerk of the House of Commons and the Speaker on the issue

Scottish Government loses legal challenge over trans prisoners in female jails
19 Jun 2026 at 12:28pm
In a case at the Court of Session, For Women Scotland won its bid to challenge the existing guidelines and to have them struck down.

Scottish Conservatives claim Aberdeen South as SNP vote collapses
19 Jun 2026 at 6:18am
Douglas Lumsden won the Aberdeen South seat, while SNP MP Lara Bird has been elected in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry

Starmer congratulates Burnham as Makerfield win paves way for leadership contest
19 Jun 2026 at 2:40am
The mayor of Greater Manchester said he wanted to ensure Makerfield was synonymous with ?bringing about the change this country needs."

Polls for Westminster by-elections close in Scotland
18 Jun 2026 at 10:13pm
The results are expected to be declared early on Friday morning

John Swinney speaks of ?distress? after ?disorder? in Glasgow
18 Jun 2026 at 9:09pm
Those involved in disorder in Scotland last week after a knife attack in Belfast ?must be held accountable? John Swinney has insisted

Scottish Government underspent budget by £358m last year
18 Jun 2026 at 5:52pm
Public finance minister Hannah Mary Goodlad told MSPs the underspend only amounted to 0.6% of the Government?s overall budget

John Swinney: Farmers will be protected as food price cap is brought in
18 Jun 2026 at 3:15pm
It comes as the First Minister announced a new task force to ensure locally produced food is used in schools and hospitals

Voters go to the polls to choose new MPs in two Scottish by-elections
18 Jun 2026 at 7:16am
It came after Stephen Flynn and Stephen Gethins left the Commons following their election to Holyrood last month.

Daily Record

Daily Record - Politics

Keir Starmer resignation LIVE as Prime Minister confirms he will quit with An...
22 Jun 2026 at 1:32pm
Andy Burnham could win the Labour leadership contest unopposed after Wes Streeting today declared he would support the Manchester mayor's bid to become PM.

Keir Starmer did not have the skills to use a huge Labour majority to change ...
22 Jun 2026 at 11:16am
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says the outgoing Prime Minister had paid a price for not having a proper plan for governing.

Who is Andy Burnham? Meet favourite to become the next Prime Minister
22 Jun 2026 at 10:49am
Keir Starmer's resignation announcement has triggered the first Labour leadership contest in more than six years. But who is likely to win?

Keir Starmer quits as Prime Minister after torrid two years in Downing Street
22 Jun 2026 at 9:36am
The Labour Prime Minister bowed to the inevitable after losing the trust of voters and Labour MPs.

Scottish Labour peer says Anas Sarwar produced no 'attractive' policies in Ho...
22 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Lord Foulke issued a number of criticisms over the Scottish Labour election campaign for Holyrood.

Why blaming Keir Starmer for Holyrood election defeat is a "cop out"
22 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
In an article for the Record, Labour peer Lord Foulkes says Scottish Labour need to reflect on the shortcomings in its own campaign.

The World Cup has brought our divided country together again
22 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
In his Daily Record column, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says Scotland is "back where we belong" in the World Cup.

Scottish Labour councillor backs independent party to escape from Westminster...
22 Jun 2026 at 4:30am
EXCLUSIVE: Kenneth Duffy said Scottish Labour had to free itself from the "ceaseless loop of performative drama and London centric point scoring".

John Swinney condemns suspected 'anti-Muslim attacks' in Edinburgh and calls ...
21 Jun 2026 at 7:18pm
Police are investigating whether a man deliberately targeted Muslims on Leith Walk and other areas of the Capital.

Donald Trump says Keir Starmer will quit as Prime Minister in fiery post
21 Jun 2026 at 4:27pm
The US President made the prediction amid claims the PM will resign on Monday.

The National

The National | Politics

Labour civil war over 'General Election' demand from minister
22 Jun 2026 at 11:40am

TOP Labour ministers are at odds after one of Keir Starmer?s staunchest loyalists demanded a General Election in the event the Prime Minister steps down.

Celtic Alliance leaders tell next UK prime minister to face 'new political re...
22 Jun 2026 at 11:25am

LEADERS in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have warned that politics is changing "rapidly" across these islands, and that whoever becomes the next British prime minister "must recognise these new political realities"

Wes Streeting stands down challenge as he backs Andy Burnham for prime minister
22 Jun 2026 at 11:12am

WES Streeting has backed Andy Burnham to become prime minister, eliminating himself as a potential candidate in any leadership race to succeed Keir Starmer.

John Swinney issues statement following Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime M...
22 Jun 2026 at 10:51am

JOHN Swinney has said Keir Starmer ?'made the right decision? following the Prime Minister's resignation, insisting a ?fresh start is possible, but only with independence?.

Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister, so what happens now?
22 Jun 2026 at 10:16am

KEIR Starmer has announced he will resign as Prime Minister, triggering a contest for Labour?s leadership and the keys to Downing Street ...

Keir Starmer resignation 'shows why Scotland must quit Westminster cycle of c...
22 Jun 2026 at 10:07am

KEIR Starmer?s resignation makes him the ?sixth UK Prime Minister to resign in a decade of Westminster chaos?, the SNP have said.

What is the music playing as Keir Starmer resigns?
22 Jun 2026 at 9:33am

LOUD music could be heard playing along the street from Keir Starmer as he announced he would be resigning as prime minister.

Keir Starmer announces resignation as Prime Minister
22 Jun 2026 at 9:30am

KEIR Starmer has announced his resignation as UK Prime Minister.

Keir Starmer to make statement - how to watch and when
22 Jun 2026 at 9:00am

KEIR Starmer is expected to make a statement regarding his future on Monday.

All the live reaction and updates as Keir Starmer resigns as Prime Minister
22 Jun 2026 at 8:04am

We have all the live reaction as Keir Starmer has resigned as Prime Minister of the UK

Holyrood Magazine

Holyrood Website

Wes Streeting backs Andy Burnham, paving way for coronation
22 Jun 2026 at 2:00pm
Streeting said the result had ?proven that Labour can still win if we have the courage to change?

Keir Starmer announces resignation in Downing Street statement
22 Jun 2026 at 1:04pm
The prime minister said he would stay on until a successor is in place

PM reflecting on 'political realities', admits cabinet ally
22 Jun 2026 at 10:00am
A cabinet minister has admitted that Keir Starmer is taking time to think through ?the political realities? he faces amid growing expectations that he will agree to resign

Thomas Kerr: Don't call me a grifter
22 Jun 2026 at 9:00am
Speaking to?Holyrood, Kerr also supported Nigel Farage's assertion there is 'two-tier policing' which discriminates against white people

Supporting the growth of our rural economy and events sector
22 Jun 2026 at 7:00am
As Scotland?s national tourism and events organisation, VisitScotland?s purpose is to drive the visitor economy, growing its value to Scotland.

Holyrood 563 / 22 June 2026
22 Jun 2026 at 7:00am
Summer of Sport

Nation (re)building: Can Ivan McKee make public service reform work?
22 Jun 2026 at 5:00am
With a new cabinet secretary pledging to reshape Scotland over the next five years, are we really on the cusp of major change?

Council worker sentenced for embezzlement
19 Jun 2026 at 2:33pm
Money was intended for vulnerable people

Transgender prisoners should not be held in women?s jails, court rules
19 Jun 2026 at 1:22pm
Scottish Government policy ruled unlawful in ?comprehensive victory? for For Women Scotland

MPs write to Electoral Commission seeking answers over Murrell scandal
19 Jun 2026 at 12:40pm
The former SNP chief executive was convicted of embezzling from the party earlier this month

Guardian - Scottish Politics

Scottish politics | The Guardian

?This changes everything?: how Brexit altered Scotland?s political landscape
21 Jun 2026 at 12:00pm
Former party leaders reflect on the turbulence that followed the referendum in which most Scottish voters backed the losing sideThe decision to quit the EU bolstered support for Scottish independence, which a decade after the Brexit referendum is at near record levels, according to Scottish Labou...

Burnham calls for ?new path for Britain? as Starmer vows to fight any leaders...
19 Jun 2026 at 6:30pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story here:Cabinet loyalists tell PM he has weekend to set out timetable for exit?Now is the change moment?: Burnham staff have no doubtsPodcast: will Burnham become prime minister?What would ?change? look like if Burnham becomes PM?David Blunket...

Scottish Conservatives win Aberdeen South in shock loss for the SNP
19 Jun 2026 at 12:29pm
Tories? Douglas Lumsden says city has spoken ?loud and clear? in support of the North Sea oil and gas industryThe Scottish National party has lost the formerly safe seat of Aberdeen South in a shock loss to the Scottish Conservatives.Douglas Lumsden beat the SNP?s Richard Thomson by 6,050 votes, ...

?No friends to the oil and gas industry?: Aberdeen South, the byelection wher...
17 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm
Peter Murrell affair may feature, but contest seen as straight fight between SNP and Tories over energy policyThe contest for Aberdeen South, a constituency that spans urban social housing and detached homes with sculpted gardens, has been dominated by one topic: the future of North Sea oil and g...

UK defence spending plan ?well short of what?s required? and harder choices n...
16 Jun 2026 at 6:08pm
Ex-defence secretary John Healey and ex-defence minister Al Carns have given resignation statements to MPsSpeaking to reporters at the G7, Keir Starmer also defended the defence investment plan (DIP) draft that led to John Healey?s resignation as defence secretary last week. Starmer confirmed tha...

France accuses Israeli firm of interfering in Scottish elections and targetin...
12 Jun 2026 at 3:00pm
Cyber agency says BlackCore targeted John Swinney, as well as interfering in New York and French electionsFrance?s cybersecurity agency has accused the Israeli tech company BlackCore of interfering in the Scottish elections earlier this year by targeting the first minister, John Swinney.The disin...

Dan Jarvis named new defence secretary as Al Carns quits government ? UK poli...
11 Jun 2026 at 10:53pm
Government confirms Jarvis?s move from role as security minister to replace John HealeyRyan Henderson, assistant chief constable for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, is about to hold a press conference about last night?s rioting.Andy Burnham is facing criticism after saying that he thinks ...

Starmer to meet Henry Nowak?s family this afternoon, No 10 says ? as it happened
4 Jun 2026 at 5:33pm
This blog is now closed, you can read more on this story hereKemi Badenoch has posted a message on social media saying she met Henry Nowak?s father, mother and stepmother this morning. She praises their courage, and says:Henry?s family do not want anger to tear communities apart. They are a famil...

A new elephant in Nicola Sturgeon?s room | Brief letters
2 Jun 2026 at 5:38pm
Murrell?s motorhome | Hooked on Alan Rickman | Football fans | Nine times table | Beauty of maths | It all adds upFollowing Nicola Sturgeon?s bravura performance on BBC One?s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme (Nicola Sturgeon: I feel as if I?m serving a sentence for a crime I did not commit,...

Starmer says he ?felt sick? watching video of Henry Nowak?s arrest ? as it ha...
2 Jun 2026 at 5:32pm
The prime minister said: ?I have seen the body cam footage, it?s harrowing, and I have to say, as a father of a 17-year-old boy, I felt sick watching it.?BBC Scotland has more details of the Peter Murrell hearing this morning on its live blog. And, on its live blog, Sky News has pictures of some ...

Wee Ginger Dug

Wee Ginger Dug

Three by elections and no one cared about the Murrell affair
19 Jun 2026 at 12:42pm
The Tories are celebrating their Westminster by election win in Aberdeen South today. But just as Labour celebrated its Holyrood by election win in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse in 2025 only to go on to lose this year’s Holyrood election, all this by election result really tells us is that tactical voting in by elections …

The world?s crappiest whodunnit
17 Jun 2026 at 12:20pm
I’ve had my cataract operation, the op was a couple of days early as there was a cancellation. The recovery period is four weeks, but I already notice a massive improvement in my eyesight. The fog has lifted and I’m now able to read much more comfortably. I’m hugely relieved it’s over. Right now, there’s …

Sarwar learns the law of unintended consequences
11 Jun 2026 at 11:52am
Anyone with two functioning braincells knows that the only reason the anti-independence parties and the SNP’s enemies are so keen on an inquiry into the Murrell scandal is because they seek to make political capital out of it, damage a party that keeps defeating them at the ballot box, and with it hinder progress to …

Westminster goes Trumpian and the media in Scotland jumps the SNPbad shark
7 Jun 2026 at 7:26pm
At the behest of Tory MP Andrew Six Chips Bowie, Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee is to vote next week on whether to hold an inquiry into the finances of the SNP. Bowie is of course only interested in good governance and looking after the best interests of the SNP members whose money was stolen by …

The historic failure of the media in Scotland
4 Jun 2026 at 1:28pm
The issues in my left eye, my better eye, seem to be getting a bit better so I’m only half blind now. Many thanks to everyone who left kind messages of support. Hopefully after 16 June when I have the cataract operation my eyesight will improve markedly. The Murrell scandal is of course still rumbling …

Seeing the path ahead clearly
31 May 2026 at 2:45pm
I’m not going to be blogging so much over the next couple of weeks. For the past year or so I’ve had a cataract in my right eye, which has rapidly worsened over recent months such that at an eye test at the opticians last week I found to my horror that I could not …

The first salvos have been fired in the latest stage of the independence camp...
27 May 2026 at 4:20pm
On Tuesday, the first working day of a new Scottish Parliament, with a record pro-independence majority, the fourth such majority in a row, MSPs voted by 72 to 55, a majority of 17 to adopt a motion calling on the Westminster government “to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve …

Explaining a parliamentary mandate for the staunch of hearing
26 May 2026 at 3:16pm
Today Holyrood gets the ball rolling on putting into action the pro-independence mandate given to it by the people of Scotland at the recent election, which as we all know by now resulted in the largest ever majority of pro-independence MSPs in the history of the Scottish Parliament. I’ll blog about the debate and vote …

Branchform?s over and the SNP is still standing
25 May 2026 at 1:41pm
Well, after five long years, murder tents, and over £2 million in police costs, it’s all over bar the inevitable shouting, and of course the not insignificant matter of what is likely to be a substantial custodial sentence. Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has pleaded guilty to embezzling more than £400,000 from the party. …

The supposed ?Once in a generation? pledge is a Westminster myth
23 May 2026 at 12:31pm
On Thursday evening’s edition of BBC Reform Time, Fiona Bruce, the completely unbiased and neutral right wing unionist host, editorialised in aid of Tory MP Harriet Cross who had insisted that the question of independence had been “settled” in 2014 and attempts to revisit the matter “have to end, they have to end.” Bruce interjected …

The Courier

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Scottish Politics News From Holyrood and Westminster | The Courier

Could Rosyth-Europe ferry set sail thanks to Brexit reset?
27 May 2025 at 6:01am
Hopes have been raised for a simple solution to a cross-border problem.

Kirkcaldy MP demands pro-suicide forum is torn down
26 May 2025 at 6:01am
Around 100 suicides have been linked to the sickening forum which provides guidance to people on ending their life.

UHI Perth aviation students warn of ?unsettling times? after training firm?s ...
26 May 2025 at 6:00am
Worried Samuel Hughes, 19, is among students sharing their fears at a time of crisis for Perth College.

Fresh Dundee University strike begins over compulsory Levehulme Centre job cuts
26 May 2025 at 6:00am
University staff are taking five days of industrial action as the institution pushes ahead with plans to axe the forensic research hub.

NHS Fife nurse at centre of controversial trans tribunal suing her own trade ...
25 May 2025 at 2:32pm
A&E medic Sandie Peggie is now taking legal action against the Royal College of Nursing.

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University still to strike rescue deal with government
23 May 2025 at 5:46pm
Opposition MSPs have expressed concern at the time taken to agree a deal almost a month after the fresh recovery plan was unveiled.

6 senior figures who left Dundee University during financial crisis
23 May 2025 at 5:10pm
Several university chiefs have moved on since £30m financial black hole emerged.

Dundee University activist artist leads degree show protest over financial cr...
23 May 2025 at 4:45pm
Duncan of Jordanstone student Finn Millar says he wants to play a part in "keeping the university alive".

John Swinney admits constituents have expressed Perth leisure concerns to him
23 May 2025 at 6:01am
The first minister wants further talks between both sides of Perth leisure debate.

EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University chief operating officer Jim McGeorge quits
22 May 2025 at 1:58pm
Dr Jim McGeorge ? who was responsible for good governance - had been on a period of extended leave.

Talking up Scotland

Talking-up Scotland

Nottingham Police?s investigation into NHS Nottingham Maternity?s ?horrendous...
22 Jun 2026 at 11:19am
Am I over-reacting to the possibility of confusion among some, even in Perth, Scotland, when a major police investigation in Nottingham adopts that title? What is it all about? From the Guardian today: The report of the inquiry into the biggest maternity scandal in NHS history will outline ?horrendous? failings in the care provided to women in Nottingham, the Guardian can reveal. A catalogue of...

Scotland has at least 7 times as many district nurses per head of population ...
22 Jun 2026 at 10:30am
In Nursing Standard four days ago, the above claim regarding the stae of district nursing in Scotland is one of the most striking examples ill-informed journalism I’ve seen.1 This won’t take long. NHS England has 7.4 district nurses per 100 000 population.2 Scotland has 77 or, if you are careful to avoid possible differences in definitions, 55 per 100 000.3 So, Scotland has at least 7 times as ...

LATEST ? England?s paedophile nursery crisis was averted in Scotland by Alex ...
22 Jun 2026 at 9:15am
As with the requirement for all care home staff to be fully registered having played a part in the absence in Scotland of large scale sex grooming of children in care homes, in places such as Rochdale, so the above childcare paedophilia crisis across England seems to have been prevented by our Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. From BBC Bristol today and widely broadcast across the BBC,...

The best equivalent ferry service in the world
21 Jun 2026 at 9:04am
As the Sunday Post tries top keep Scotland’s ill-informed ‘ferry fiasco’ alive here’s what you’re not hearing.

How media exploit Peter Murrell case to try to reshape Nicola Sturgeon?s legacy
21 Jun 2026 at 8:52am
In the Herald today this either unaware or dishonest claim, above. Journalism students know that much of what journalist do, rather than faithfully sharing any kind of pre-existing shared reality, is collectively, sheepishly, construct an alternative reality to suit the agenda of those who fund them and upon whom they depend for their existence – paying their mortgage, their car loan, feeding t...

Another book recommendation! This one?s more for dipping into to inform your ...
20 Jun 2026 at 2:52pm
I’ve been deeply affected by Prof Kate Pickett and here co-authored seminal text, Spirit Level, on the almost magical effect of reducing inequality and the better society that seems to produce. Alasdair Gray and Alex Salmond launched us on that path, one-armed tied by the UK admittedly, more than 20 years ago. Kate refers to several of the SNP’s achievements in her new book and , critically, su...

The best book I?ve read in a long time and in a way connected to places like ...
20 Jun 2026 at 1:27pm
Murderland: Crime and Bloodlust in the Time of Serial Killers by Caroline Fraser, just out in paperback, is about far more than serial killers. It’s about the violence of war-damaged fathers, the violence of treatment of unwed mothers and their babies, the violence of geology in some places, the violence of civil engineering and transport systems and the inherent violence of unfettered capitali...

Holyrood still far more open and transparent for journalists than Westminster
20 Jun 2026 at 11:01am
The Herald and other media wailing at new constraints on their journalists wandering Holyrood and mobbing ministers, fail to tell you this. Holyrood access still remains more transparent overall than Westminster, even after the recent media pen change. The new restriction is narrow and targeted. It’s only after First Minister?s Questions, in one specific area. Westminster?s system is much more ...

Nine SNP initiatives to tackle child poverty all unique to Scotland and all o...
20 Jun 2026 at 9:03am
From: Tackling Child Poverty Delivery Plan: Progress Report 2025-26 published yesterday to the above MSM response: Steps taken in the past year to further strengthen the support available to families include: This is in addition to our continued investment in actions delivered over the life of this plan, including devolved employability support, free bus travel for under 22s and disabled people...

FM launches additional £36.9 million fund to reduce drug and alcohol deaths a...
20 Jun 2026 at 8:51am
From the Scottish Government yesterday but, of the MSM, only reported in the Herald, this major announcement: First Minister John Swinney will today call for a new collective approach to reduce deaths and harms from drugs and alcohol, as he addresses a summit on drugs deaths in Edinburgh. It comes as a new Alcohol and Drugs Fund, which will provide £36.9 million to frontline services and organi...

Scotland and Independence

"scotland independence -guardian" - Google News

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum - BBC
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum  BBC

Is Scotland still divided on independence? - The Week
28 May 2026 at 8:00am
Is Scotland still divided on independence?  The Week

Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell - Enlighten - Scotland's Independ...
16 Jun 2026 at 4:02am
Scottish Independence: More show. Less tell  Enlighten - Scotland's Independent Think Tank

Scotland Office blocks release of files discussing Section 30 and independenc...
21 Jun 2026 at 6:47am
Scotland Office blocks release of files discussing Section 30 and independence  The National Scot

Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds -...
3 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds  Ipsos

Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scot...
31 May 2026 at 7:13pm
Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scotland and Wales  Open Canada

EU expert gives verdict on Scottish European relations ten years after Brexit...
16 Jun 2026 at 8:05am
EU expert gives verdict on Scottish European relations ten years after Brexit vote  The Herald

UK Government rejects Scottish parliament's call for new independence referen...
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
UK Government rejects Scottish parliament's call for new independence referendum  The Brussels Times

Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote - CTV News
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament backs move for new independence vote  CTV News

SNP

"SNP" - Google News

Murrell used six-figure loan to launder stolen SNP money, police suspect - Th...
21 Jun 2026 at 5:18pm
Murrell used six-figure loan to launder stolen SNP money, police suspect  The Telegraph

SNP wins 58 seats as Labour and Reform tie for second with 17 each - BBC
9 May 2026 at 8:00am
SNP wins 58 seats as Labour and Reform tie for second with 17 each  BBC

How former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell spent the £400,000 he embezzled ...
1 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
How former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell spent the £400,000 he embezzled  BBC

We know what former SNP chief Peter Murrell bought with £400,000 of embezzled...
29 May 2026 at 8:00am
We know what former SNP chief Peter Murrell bought with £400,000 of embezzled funds. What I?d like to know is why  The Guardian

Tories and SNP win Scottish by-elections - as Labour come fourth in both race...
19 Jun 2026 at 10:51am
Tories and SNP win Scottish by-elections - as Labour come fourth in both races  Sky News

SPICe general election Scotland 2026 results and analysis - SPICe Spotlight
9 May 2026 at 8:00am
SPICe general election Scotland 2026 results and analysis  SPICe Spotlight

Final YouGov MRP of the 2026 Holyrood election shows the SNP falling short of...
6 May 2026 at 8:00am
Final YouGov MRP of the 2026 Holyrood election shows the SNP falling short of a majority  YouGov

Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000 - R...
25 May 2026 at 8:00am
Former Scottish National Party chief pleads guilty to embezzling $540,000  Reuters

Final Survation Holyrood Poll of the 2026 Elections - Survation
6 May 2026 at 8:00am
Final Survation Holyrood Poll of the 2026 Elections  Survation

Big salaries, a motorhome and SNP accounts: The Nicola Sturgeon interview unw...
1 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Big salaries, a motorhome and SNP accounts: The Nicola Sturgeon interview unwrapped  BBC

Referendum (Google News)

"Scotland referendum -guardian -telegraph" - Google News

Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause? -...
4 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Does the Scottish election result advance or hinder the independence cause?  The Conversation

Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum - BBC
26 May 2026 at 8:00am
Scottish Parliament endorses SNP call for independence referendum  BBC

How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years s...
19 Jun 2026 at 9:55am
How do views of Brexit differ between England, Scotland and Wales, 10 years since the referendum?  YouGov

Scottish Bonds to Create ?Financial Referendum? on Independence - Bloomberg
15 Jun 2026 at 9:16am
Scottish Bonds to Create ?Financial Referendum? on Independence  Bloomberg

Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scot...
31 May 2026 at 7:13pm
Nationalist Governments Now in Both: The 2026 Parliamentary Elections in Scotland and Wales  Open Canada

Scotland Office blocks release of files discussing Section 30 and independenc...
21 Jun 2026 at 6:47am
Scotland Office blocks release of files discussing Section 30 and independence  The National Scot

Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds -...
3 Jun 2026 at 8:00am
Ipsos Polling confirms Holyrood26 as the ?loveless election? in Scots minds  Ipsos

'Complacency, naivety': Why the Remain campaign lost the EU referendum - The ...
21 Jun 2026 at 10:56am
'Complacency, naivety': Why the Remain campaign lost the EU referendum  The Herald

The next Scottish and Welsh governments are likely to put constitutional chan...
6 May 2026 at 8:00am
The next Scottish and Welsh governments are likely to put constitutional change back on the agenda  Institute for Government

Is Scotland still divided on independence? - The Week
28 May 2026 at 8:00am
Is Scotland still divided on independence?  The Week