Sign in

Andrew Learmonth

@andrewlearmonth.bsky.social
3.6K followers 906 following 501 posts

Political Editor of the world's longest-running national newspaper @heraldscotland.bsky.social Email tips/stories/news to andrew.learmonth@heraldandtimes.co.uk. DMs open.

PostsRepliesMedia
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
EXC: Employer and employee pension contributions for workers at Sanjeev Gupta's Lochaber smelter have not been paid since July. The company has notified the Pensions Regulator. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2660031...
heraldscotland.com
Pension contributions at Sanjeev Gupta's Lochaber smelter unpaid since July
Workers at Sanjeev Gupta's Lochaber aluminium smelter have not received employer or employee pension contributions since July, The Herald can reveal.
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
NEW: John Swinney to make a ministerial statement on the role of the Law Officers this afternoon. Likely, (though not confirmed) to address splitting the Lord Advocate's dual role as chief prosecutor and government's top legal adviser.
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Labour delegates overwhelmingly backed a motion condemning last week's fire-and-rehire threat against 23,000 Glasgow workers, but unions used the debate to tell the party its own record on equal pay can't be ignored. @heraldscotland.bsky.social
102
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Writing in Sunday's @heraldscotland.bsky.social Labour peer George Foulkes warned Andy Burnham against dismantling the triple lock: "I believe that the political fallout will be immense, making the outcry over the Winter Fuel Allowance pale in comparison." www.heraldscotland.com/politics/hol...
heraldscotland.com
I saw what Winter Fuel cut did to my party — scrapping triple lock would be worse
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock urges Labour to resist calls to scrap the triple lock ahead of the budget, warning that the UK state pension is already…
412
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
EXC: Sanjeev Gupta is in line for £2.3 million of Scottish taxpayers' cash even as the Scottish Government takes the tycoon to court over "unauthorised transactions" at his Lochaber smelter. @heraldscotland.bsky.social
102
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Michael Marra defeated Joe Fagan by 4,266 votes to 2,485. Just under 50% of party members voted. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2656449...
heraldscotland.com
Michael Marra sees off Joe Fagan to become Scottish Labour's 11th leader
Michael Marra has beaten Joe Fagan to lead a party reduced to just 17 Holyrood seats, vowing to build a completely different Scottish Labour from…
000
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
New Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra has urged Andy Burnham to approve Rosebank and Jackdaw and end the windfall tax sooner rather than later www.heraldscotland.com/news/2656475...
heraldscotland.com
Marra urges Burnham to approve Rosebank and Jackdaw and accelerate EPL end
Michael Marra, in his first press conference as Scottish Labour leader, demands UK Government approval for Rosebank and Jackdaw and an early end to…
101
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
'It's not really about Salmond or Sturgeon — Tuesday's FOI case could reshape the public's right to know in Scotland' || Political Editor @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news...
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
That's former Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar ennobled.
644
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Just to clarify, peerage has been created as Baron Sarwar, of Maxwell Park. As he's only Sarwar in the Lords, he'll be known as Lord Sarwar. No territorial designation in Parliament. If he hadn't been the only Sarwar, he'd have been Baron Sarwar (no comma) of Maxwell Park.
120
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
House of Lords confirms that Anas Sarwar's title will be Lord Sarwar. There will be "no territorial designation to his name". He's due to be ennobled tomorrow at 11am.
210
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
SNP MSP Alyn Smith becomes Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education. The former MEP and MP replaces Ben Macpherson, who stood down last week.
000
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Andy Burnham has said he will work with the SNP on securing Scotland's energy transition, after being warned that an imminent Westminster energy blueprint could put almost £79 billion of offshore wind investment at risk www.heraldscotland.com/news/2651572... @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social
211
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
McGill’s Buses unlawfully fired a depot store manager after he refused an unprompted drug test, an employment tribunal has ruled. The Greenock-based firm, owned by billionaire Labour donors Sandy and James Easdale, was heavily criticised by Judge Laura Doherty. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2650979...
heraldscotland.com
McGill's Buses illegally sacked worker who refused drug test over Snapchat beer video
McGill's Buses, owned by billionaire brothers Sandy and James Easdale, was found to have ordered an unjustified drug test, withheld evidence…
000
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
𝔐𝔞𝔤𝔫𝔢𝔱𝔰 🧲 @magnets.eurosky.social · 28/08/2026
it's me i'm "unknown"
351023226
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
GFG Alliance has confirmed to @heraldscotland.bsky.social that its Dalzell steel plant in Motherwell has been buying its raw steel from Kazakhstan rather than from British suppliers. Sanjeev Gupta's troubled firm also acknowledged problems with staff pension payments.
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Cash-strapped NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) bypassed its normal competitive procurement process on grounds of "extreme urgency" to spend more than £134,000 converting open-plan office space into private rooms for its most senior managers, @heraldscotland.bsky.social can reveal.
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
NEW: Ben Macpherson quit the Scottish Government for health-related reasons. He was the Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education.
110
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
IFS warns of 'particularly nasty Budget storm looming' @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2648400...
heraldscotland.com
IFS warns Swinney's manifesto pledges at risk despite £790m Scottish budget boost
The Institute for Fiscal Studies says extra UK Government funding and a larger-than-expected underspend ease immediate pressure on Finance Secretary…
001
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
Ian McConnell @mrianmcconnell.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
♦️Why news on Scottish shipyard is so sad My column today @heraldscotland.bsky.social ⬇️ www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/...
heraldscotland.com
Why news on Scottish shipyard is so sad
The news on the Scottish shipyard, which has had noisy detractors, is very sad
003
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
BREAKING: Glasgow City Council's City Administration Committee have approved a major overhaul of the authority's pay and grading system after an equal pay battle stretching back two decades. @heraldscotland.bsky.social
101
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
SNP ministers take GFG Alliance to court over 'unauthorised' Lochaber transactions @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2647476...
heraldscotland.com
Ministers take GFG Alliance to court over 'unauthorised' Lochaber transactions
Scottish ministers are taking Sanjeev Gupta's under-pressure GFG Alliance to court after discovering "unauthorised transactions" at…
002
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
SNP ministers take GFG Alliance to court over 'unauthorised' Lochaber transactions @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2647476...
heraldscotland.com
Ministers take GFG Alliance to court over 'unauthorised' Lochaber transactions
Scottish ministers are taking Sanjeev Gupta's under-pressure GFG Alliance to court after discovering "unauthorised transactions" at…
002
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Just to be clear, Gregor Poynton didn't nominate anyone as he's a whip and they're expected to remain neutral in internal contests.
000
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
So Carol Mochan DID nominate Monica Lennon, however, she failed to win the support of a third MP which meant she didn't meet the threshold to get on the ballot. scottishlabour.org.uk/leadership-2...
scottishlabour.org.uk
MP & MSP Nominations - Scottish Labour
Scottish LabourLeadership 2026 Individual PLP/SPLP nominations for the Scottish Labour Leadership are as follows: MP/MSP Constituency/Region Nomination Irshad Ahmed MSP Edinburgh and Lothians East Joe...
001
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Monica Lennon has failed to secure enough nominations to enter the Scottish Labour leadership contest, leaving Michael Marra and Joe Fagan in a two-way race to replace Anas Sarwar www.heraldscotland.com/news... @rebeccamccurdy.bsky.social
303
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
The report states that if collective agreement cannot be secured, the council may consider 'other lawful options,' including 'dismissal of existing contracts and an offer of re-engagement on revised terms and conditions' www.heraldscotland.com/news... @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social
001
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
BREAKING British academic and author Jason Arday has died, according to reports www.heraldscotland.com/news...
002
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Fagan to scrap Sarwar's rule preventing pacts with other parties in Scotland's town halls www.heraldscotland.com/news/2646474...
heraldscotland.com
Fagan to scrap Sarwar's no-pact with other parties rule ahead of council elections
Joe Fagan has launched his Scottish Labour leadership bid by promising to scrap Anas Sarwar's ban on council pacts and offer John Swinney five…
011
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
In an excoriating blog post, Kate Higgins, a former Special Adviser to Nicola Sturgeon, says her ex-boss, Joanna Cherry and JK Rowling should all "do one" and observe a "period of dignified silence."
211
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
NEW: Michael Marra has secured backing from a second union in the Scottish Labour leadership contest. ASLEF has said they will nominate him. Follows the NUM throwing their weight behind him. It means the North East MSP will now definitely be on the ballot.
110
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
Brian Ferguson @brianjaffa.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Just one full-scale edition of Aye Write has been staged since 2023 & its programme will be cut from 11 days to just five when it finally returns in 2027. Completely bizarre when book festivals and events are attracting ever-increasing audiences.
011
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
EXCLUSIVE Scottish Labour's leadership contest has been plunged into chaos over claims Michael Marra wanted to sack party staff and put them on short-term contracts after May’s disastrous election www.heraldscotland.com/news... @rebeccamccurdy.bsky.social @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social
111
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Andy Burnham cancels his Edinburgh Fringe appearance www.heraldscotland.com/news... @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social
102
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
'We help them take a breath, realise there are options, make sense of their results, and talk about their next steps' Free helpline set up to support students with next steps on exam results day www.heraldscotland.com/news/2643268... @jamesmcenaney.bsky.social
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Scotland's only ethnic-minority and Muslim MP calls for SNP to fund dedicated cohesion strategy after Glasgow far-right disorder www.heraldscotland.com/news/2642963...
heraldscotland.com
MP calls for SNP to back dedicated cohesion strategy after Glasgow far-right disorder
Glasgow South West MP Dr Zubir Ahmed says Scotland's failure to build a community cohesion strategy backed by funding and ministerial…
231
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Care home providers plead with Scottish Government not to force them to answer Freedom of Information requests, but overwhelming majority of families and carers are desperate for law to apply to the sector www.heraldscotland.com/news/2642982...
heraldscotland.com
Information commissioner backs extending FOI for care homes but operators resist
Scotland's care home providers have urged ministers to exempt them from Freedom of Information law but families and unpaid carers who responded…
002
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2642526...
heraldscotland.com
BP puts its North Sea business up for sale after 60 years of production
The energy giant said the decision to market the business for a potential sale forms part of its strategy to slim down the group by selling off…
000
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2642511...
heraldscotland.com
Joani Reid readmitted to Labour five months after stepping back over husband's arrest
East Kilbride MP Joani Reid has been readmitted to the Parliamentary Labour Party after five months, alongside Diane Abbott.
011
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Ministers urged to consider mandatory chimney sweeping law as new Scottish Government research links wood and coal burning to 160 deaths a year www.heraldscotland.com/news/2642358...
heraldscotland.com
Scottish Government research links wood and coal burning to 160 deaths a year
A Scottish Government-commissioned study has, for the first time, put a figure on the health toll of domestic solid fuel burning.
010
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
EXCLUSIVE: Celtic failed to come up with a 'viable' alternative to the unauthorised street party that led to serious disorder in Glasgow city centre in May, according to internal police documents www.heraldscotland.com/news... @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Comedian and broadcaster Phil Jupitus said the singer had "effectively s*** on a minority".
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2640635...
heraldscotland.com
David Byrne and Edinburgh Playhouse accused of excluding disabled fans
Comedian Phil Jupitus says a pre-show announcement at David Byrne's sold-out Edinburgh Playhouse gig effectively signalled to the audience that…
010
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2630017...
heraldscotland.com
Anas Sarwar set to resign as Scottish Labour leader to join Andy Burnham's government
Anas Sarwar is set to resign as leader of Scottish Labour.
110
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Judge Kemp said that under the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023, which requires employers to ensure tips are "allocated fairly between workers", unpaid tips amount to an unauthorised deduction from wages under the Employment Rights Act 1996. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2629761...
heraldscotland.com
Tribunal awards Loch Awe hotel receptionist four figure payout after boss kept tips
A hotel receptionist who represented herself at an Aberdeen employment tribunal has won £1,151 after her employer kept tips in a jar in the…
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2629652...
heraldscotland.com
Burnham keeps Alexander in Scotland Office as he makes sweeping changes to Cabinet
Andy Burnham has overhauled Labour's top team in a sweeping first-day reshuffle, making John Healey Chancellor, returning Louise Haigh and…
011
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2628912...
heraldscotland.com
Andy Burnham pledges to 'give hope back' as he becomes Labour Party leader
Andy Burnham has officially become leader of the Labour Party, with the next Prime Minister pledging to "give hope back"
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Poll: Dropping Labour name and splitting from UK Labour could win party back voters lost to SNP and Greens www.heraldscotland.com/news/2628802...
heraldscotland.com
Poll: Dropping Labour name could win party back voters lost to SNP and Greens
A new poll has revealed that most former Scottish Labour voters who switched to the SNP or Greens would return if the party split entirely from UK…
533
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe. @gabymckay.bsky.social @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2627102...
heraldscotland.com
Ann Widdecombe may have been murdered with manhunt launched for suspect
Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of former Conservative MP Ann Widdecombe
043
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2626909...
heraldscotland.com
John Swinney quietly axes Scottish Government's flagship tax advisory group
The Scottish Government has quietly disbanded its Tax Advisory Group following years of internal friction, leaving high-profile economic experts…
110