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”.
Starmer announced on Monday morning that he will resign as Prime Minister with the Labour Party hosting a leadership contest in the coming months to find his replacement.
His decision came after he faced mounting pressure from Labour MPs and Cabinet members to quit following the result, with Burnham widely expected to launch a leadership challenge.
Following Starmer’s resignation, Swinney said that since Labour came into power in 2024, the party can be characterised by “broken promises, poor judgement and, ultimately, failure”.
“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,” Swinney said.
“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.”
Scotland's First Minister added: “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 10 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.”
Swinney went on to say that the high turnover of prime ministers in the last decade is “no way to govern”, adding that “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,” Swinney added.
“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.”
Starmer has asked the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening for the leadership on July 9, and completed by the summer recess.
This will mean a new leader is in place before parliament returns in September. Until then he will remain in post.
Starmer's resignation comes just two years after winning a landslide General Election. He said he had already spoken to the King when giving his speech.
He described becoming Prime Minister as the “proudest moment of my life” and became emotional as he thanked his wife Victoria for her support at the end of his speech.
