Swinney calls for 'fundamental change of direction' after Starmer resignation

John Swinney has called for a “fundamental change of direction” from the UK government after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation.

Sir Keir pledged an “orderly handover of power” in an emotional statement outside Number 10 on Monday morning.

Andy Burnham is now expected to become prime minister within weeks after winning the Makerfield by-election.

First Minister John Swinney | PA

Mr Swinney said Sir Keir had made the “right decision” and accused Labour of “broken promises”.

READ MORE: His voice quavering, this was a rare glimpse of Keir Starmer the man

In a statement, the First Minister said: “On a personal level, I wish the Prime Minister and his family well. Leadership is tough, and can make extraordinary demands both on the leader and their families.

“Sir Keir Starmer has made the right decision. It was past time for him to face reality and the fact he now has allows some hope that things can change.

"However, rather than simply a change of personnel, what is needed is a fundamental change of direction. Labour’s time in power has been characterised by broken promises, poor judgement and, ultimately, failure.

"Instead of supporting those who are struggling to pay their bills and put food on the table, the Labour Party has continued the instability and infighting for which Westminster is known, and there seems to be no end in sight.

"People will rightly be frustrated and embarrassed that the UK's sixth Prime Minister in ten years once again failed to get to grips with the challenges facing this country, and there is no reason to believe the seventh will be any different.

"This is no way to govern. Scotland deserves better.

"We have repeatedly been promised change, but it has never been clearer that no matter who holds the keys to Number 10 that is just not possible within the Westminster system.

"A fresh start is possible, but only with independence.

"That is the future I will continue to fight for as I lead a government that is delivering on Scotland's priorities - tackling the cost of living, growing our economy and building a fairer nation."

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: “Having jumped before he was pushed by Labour MPs, Sir Keir Starmer will be remembered as the Prime Minister of U-turns and broken promises.

“But putting Andy Burnham into Downing Street changes nothing because our country will still be stuck with a left-wing Labour government that will only ever increase people’s taxes while failing to tackle the out-of-control benefits bill.

“And they’re too arrogant to end their idiotic war on Scotland’s oil and gas sector, despite our party’s seismic victory in Aberdeen South.

“Fundamentally, this failing Labour government will take the same damaging approach seen by the SNP administration, which spells double disaster for Scotland.”