Leadership counts, both on and off the pitch - Ian Murray
By the time you read this, we will know whether Scotland have made it through in the World Cup. I’m writing this week’s column from Miami, on a once-in-a-lifetime personal trip with my brother and nephew to watch Scotland back on the biggest stage. Like every other fan, we’ve got everything crossed for this remarkable squad to make history.
But, if ever there were proof the footballing fixture gods have a cruel sense of timing, the past few days at Westminster are it.
When events move this quickly, what matters is not the noise or speculation — it is leadership: calm, focused and grounded in the national interest.
That is exactly what Keir Starmer has shown as Prime Minister, not least in his resignation speech on the steps of No.10 on Monday.
My support for him has never been conditional, even after leaving Cabinet. He took over the Labour Party at its lowest ebb in modern history — defeated, divided and distrusted. Through discipline, integrity and determination, he rebuilt it. He confronted antisemitism head-on, restored credibility, and reconnected Labour with the country. That took courage. It took leadership.
And it worked.
As Prime Minister, he has brought those same qualities to government. In a volatile and uncertain world, he has led Britain as a Satesman with seriousness and restraint — repairing alliances, strengthening our position abroad, and keeping this country out of conflicts others would have rushed into. That is not weakness; it is judgement. It is what responsible leadership looks like.
At home, this is a government getting on with the job. Workers’ rights strengthened. Renters given greater security. The foundations laid for clean energy independence through GB Energy. Railways renationalised. Record defence spending. Investment flowing into public services. The NHS in England beginning to turn a corner, with waiting lists falling fast. And after years of instability, early signs of economic recovery returning.
These are not slogans. They are real changes that matter to people’s lives. Progress has been frustratingly slow — but it is finally moving.
And that is what the public care about. In recent days, I’ve heard from many constituents. Their views on the politics of the moment differ, but the underlying message is the same: get on with it. Focus on the issues that matter. Deliver stability, competence and progress.
They are right.
This Labour government must keep its focus firmly on the national interest — governing, delivering and improving people’s lives.
Within that, I want to be clear about one thing. Andy Burnham has my full support as Prime Minister. I’ve known Andy for nearly 20 years. I hold him in the highest regard. He combines political instinct with genuine warmth and decency, and people trust him because they know he truly cares.
He understands the pressures facing working people because he has spent his career standing alongside them. He communicates with clarity, conviction and authenticity — and brings people with him.
His experience, his connection to communities and his leadership would be a huge asset in ensuring this Labour government succeeds and delivers lasting change. He embodies the very best of what we are trying to achieve in government.
There will be significant change in the coming weeks, but my focus remains clear: representing my constituents, delivering in government, growing the economy, strengthening public services, supporting working people, keeping our country secure, and standing behind our all-too-rare Labour Prime Minister.