Sign in

Andrew Learmonth

@andrewlearmonth.bsky.social
3.6K followers 906 following 505 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 · 08/10/2026
Alex Cole-Hamilton has defended the process that saw Christine Jardine axed as a candidate and denied the Liberal Democrats have a problem with older women. @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2661698...
heraldscotland.com
Cole-Hamilton denies Lib Dems have a problem with older women after Jardine axing
Alex Cole-Hamilton has defended the process that led to Christine Jardine stepping down as Edinburgh West MP, insisting he never heard her age or gender raised.
111
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Police Scotland issued 25 graffiti fines in 18 months. Greater Glasgow (G Division) recorded the most with nine, followed by Edinburgh City (E Division) with eight. @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2661628...
heraldscotland.com
Police Scotland issued 25 graffiti fines in 18 months — and only 15 were paid
Police Scotland has handed out just 25 fixed penalty notices for graffiti since January 2024, totalling £1,000, of which only £600 has been collected.
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
SNP members have reacted angrily to plans to give Scottish Greens leader Gillian Mackay a platform at party conference in Aberdeen, with one activist warning that "the optics are awful" in the heart of the North Sea oil industry. @heraldscotland.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2661678...
heraldscotland.com
SNP members revolt over Green leader's slot at Aberdeen conference
SNP grassroots members have reacted with fury to plans to give Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay a platform at the party's Aberdeen conference.
101
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
Alex Cole-Hamilton: "With the arithmetic of the parliament as it is, we're now without question the most influential and powerful group in the parliament." www.heraldscotland.com/news/2661654...
heraldscotland.com
'We will exact a high price' — Cole-Hamilton's budget warning to Swinney
Alex Cole-Hamilton says his ten-strong group holds unrivalled leverage over John Swinney's budget, sets four firm demands.
000
Reposted by Andrew Learmonth
Stephen Boyd @stephenboydippr.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
One consequence of failing to develop a coherent long-term industrial strategy with clear goals and boundaries is that you react to crises by underwriting this kind of thing... Excellent reporting by @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/news/2660386...
heraldscotland.com
Scotland's £586m Gupta guarantee tied to secretive Jersey offshore vehicle
Scotland's £586m taxpayer guarantee underpinning Sanjeev Gupta's Highland metals empire has been quietly moved to a secretive offshore company registered in Jersey.
033
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.
000
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
Unison's Louise Noble, who moved the motion, also acknowledged Labour's record: "Previous Labour administrations in Glasgow failed for years to resolve the injustice of equal pay. We cannot shy away from that in this hall." Full story: www.heraldscotland.com/news/2659045...
heraldscotland.com
Unions call on Labour to show 'wee bit of humility' during Glasgow equal pay debate
Trade unions used Labour's UK conference to demand the party acknowledge its own role in Glasgow's equal pay failure, as delegates voted…
002
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
GMB Scotland's Mary Finn told delegates: "Today, it is an SNP council threatening workers with fire and rehire, and there should be absolutely no doubt about our opposition to that. "But a wee bit of humility from this party would go a long way too."
101
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
Read the full story here @heraldscotland.bsky.social: www.heraldscotland.com/news/2657333...
heraldscotland.com
Scottish ministers to hand Gupta £2.3m of taxpayers' cash — while taking him to court
Scottish Forestry insists a £2.3m woodland grant to a Gupta-linked company remains valid even as ministers seek a court interdict against GFG…
002
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Separately, a Singapore High Court judgment in June found Gupta had shown a "systemic lack of probity," engineering complex intercompany debts, including one tied to the same Lochaber hydro company now receiving Scottish public money.
110
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Meanwhile Scottish Forestry says a £2.3m grant to SIMEC Lochaber Hydropower 2 Ltd, trading as Jahama Highland Estates, is set to go ahead. Asked if it had concerns funding a GFG company mid-dispute, the government agency said: "Given the contract remains valid and live, no."
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The Scottish Government has now confirmed it has "lodged court proceedings against GFG Alliance seeking an interim interdict to prevent breaches" of the Lochaber Guarantee and Reimbursement Agreement, the controversial 2016 deal underpinning a £586m taxpayer guarantee.
100
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
No Lord Sarwar of Pollokshields or Lord Sarwar of Glasgow.
010
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"
351022225
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Notably, GFG Alliance did not deny other claims made by Mr Rennie, including reports that the plant had been "ransacked" with "nearly every piece of copper" stolen and that £7 million owed to the Scottish Government had been "transferred elsewhere". www.heraldscotland.com/news/2649178...
heraldscotland.com
Dalzell crisis - GFG admits Kazakh steel bought in and pension payment failures
GFG Alliance has confirmed its Dalzell plant is sourcing steel from Kazakhstan while pension payments remain stuck and allegations of theft, missing…
000
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The revelations came after Lib Dem MSP @willierennie.bsky.social wrote to the Scottish Government demanding answers over a string of allegations at the plant made to him by sources at the plant. We put those allegations to the company.
101
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
Documents released through freedom of information show it invoked emergency powers normally reserved for crises "that could not have been foreseen" to fast-track the refurbishment. The new area has been dubbed the "chandelier corridor" by staff. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2649173...
heraldscotland.com
Cash-strapped NHS Glasgow used emergency powers on £134k 'chandelier corridor' revamp
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde invoked emergency procurement powers to spend £134,000 refurbishing senior managers' offices, bypassing…
000
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
Story here www.heraldscotland.com/news/2649061... @heraldscotland.bsky.social
heraldscotland.com
Blow for Swinney as minister quits government to prioritise well-being
Ben Macpherson has resigned as a Scottish Government minister, saying he needs to prioritise his mental and physical wellbeing.
011
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
In his letter to John Swinney, Macpherson said he had "reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being".
110
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
Story here. Will update as more reaction comes in... www.heraldscotland.com/news/2648209...
heraldscotland.com
Council backs equal pay scheme that hikes wages for most but cuts pay of one in nine
Glasgow City Council has approved a sweeping pay and grading overhaul designed to end decades of equal pay discrimination but while 63 of 24,000…
001
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Individual letters go to affected staff from 30-31 August, with face-to-face conversations first for those facing a cut.
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
SNP and Greens backed the deal, Labour opposed it, and Conservative Cllr John Daly abstained. It passed 13-9.
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Council leader Susan Aitken told colleagues the vote would take "political courage": "The courage required is not about removing difficulty, but facing it head on and taking the decision that we need to take anyway."
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
*Most* staff gain. 63% see a pay rise, 26% see little change but 11%, around 2,600 workers, face a cut Councillors heard today that the steepest single loss will be £11,500 a year.
100
Andrew Learmonth @andrewlearmonth.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
The new framework, replacing one brought in by the then Labour administration in 2006, aims to finally end pay discrimination between traditionally male- and female-dominated council roles.
100
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