Sturgeon backs Burnham to succeed, despite Swinney’s warning about his premiership

Nicola Sturgeon said she wanted Andy Burnham to succeed as Prime Minister, arguing that the whole UK would benefit if he delivered on his promises. Her comments came days after Burnham urged devolved leaders to work with the UK Government, and contrast with John Swinney’s claim that Burnham would be the UK’s last Prime Minister.

Sturgeon said Burnham had significant political goodwill but needed to use it to advance reforms, including social care and relations with the EU. She also criticised Chancellor John Healey’s Budget interview and said public anger could grow if further action did not follow. A poll cited in the article found 59 per cent of Scots did not believe Sturgeon had no knowledge of her husband Peter Murrell’s crimes; Murrell was jailed for five years and three months after admitting embezzling more than £400,000 from the SNP.