Swinney Says UK Relations 'Haemorrhaged' After Douglas Alexander's Appointment as Scottish Secretary

First Minister John Swinney has warned that relations between the Scottish government and the UK administration have "haemorrhaged" since Douglas Alexander was appointed Secretary of State for Scotland.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed on Monday that Alexander would remain in post, and Alexander said he was "very happy" to continue in the role. However, Swinney has publicly criticised the decision, saying Alexander has made things more difficult for the Scottish government.

Alexander took up the Scotland brief in September 2025 following a UK government reshuffle that removed Ian Murray, Scottish Labour's longest-serving MP. Swinney said relations with the Scotland Office had been "pretty constructive" under Murray but "pretty much haemorrhaged with Douglas Alexander's arrival."

"We enjoyed a pretty constructive relationship when Keir Starmer appointed Ian Murray as Scottish Secretary. But I have to say that pretty much haemorrhaged with Douglas Alexander's arrival," Swinney told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast.

Swinney also noted that Alexander's appointment coincided with his role as joint director of Scottish Labour's Holyrood election campaign, an effort aimed at unseating the first minister. Swinney said that was the moment "relations soured significantly." He added that he bears no personal ill will but is focused on improving life for people in Scotland.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham spoke to the leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on Tuesday [Reuters]

The First Minister said Prime Minister Burnham had given assurances that he wants a collaborative relationship between Westminster and Holyrood, and Swinney said he will take that pledge at face value while watching whether Alexander's approach reflects it.

When asked about regional governance, Swinney said he disagrees with Burnham's emphasis on introducing regional mayors. While welcoming moves to devolve more powers to local government, Swinney said he does not support "the concept of mayors," favouring instead directly elected local authorities that remain accountable to their electorate.

Swinney pointed to successful collaborative initiatives in Scotland — such as the Glasgow City Deal, the Tay City Deal and the South East of Scotland Deal — as examples of local authorities working with both the Scottish and UK governments without undermining democratic accountability.

Burnham and Swinney spoke by phone on Tuesday for the first time since Burnham became prime minister; Swinney used the call to invite the prime minister to visit Scotland. The Scotland Office has been approached for comment.