Ian Murray loses cabinet role as Douglas Alexander steps in during turbulent Labour reshuffle

Douglas Alexander has returned to frontline politics as the new Scottish secretary after Keir Starmer sacked Ian Murray during a sweeping cabinet reshuffle triggered by the resignation of Angela Rayner.

Murray, who has represented Edinburgh South since 2010 and was the first Labour MP to hold the Scotland brief in government in 14 years, confirmed his dismissal on Friday afternoon. He described the move as “hugely disappointing” but pledged to continue supporting the government from the backbenches.

Alexander, a former Labour cabinet minister under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said he was “honoured” to be appointed by the prime minister. “I look forward to playing a key role in delivering the UK Government’s Plan for Change by boosting economic growth, putting more money in pockets and making life better for people in Scotland,” he said.

The reshuffle follows Rayner’s dramatic departure earlier in the day, after she admitted underpaying around £40,000 in stamp duty on a property in Hove. Her exit as deputy prime minister, housing secretary and deputy Labour leader created shockwaves inside the party and forced Starmer to accelerate his reshuffle plans.

In Scotland, the change marks the end of a short but eventful period for Murray, who was appointed secretary of state in July 2024 following Labour’s landslide general election win. He highlighted achievements including the £10bn frigate deal with Norway, the creation of GB Energy in Aberdeen, a record budget settlement for devolution, and saving Harland & Wolff shipyards.

Reflecting on his year in office, Murray said: “It was a privilege to play a pivotal role in bringing Labour back to power in Westminster after so many years as the sole Scottish Labour MP. I will forever be proud of having helped deliver 37 Scottish Labour MPs last year.” He also thanked his civil service team, calling them “the best of the best,” and stressed he would devote more time to his young family after the “immeasurable strain” of cabinet life.

Murray made clear that he intends to remain active in Scottish politics, attacking what he called “almost two decades of SNP failure” at Holyrood and pledging to support Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar’s bid to become first minister.

The reshuffle saw other major changes across Starmer’s cabinet. David Lammy was appointed deputy prime minister and justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood was promoted to home secretary, and Yvette Cooper took over as foreign secretary. Pat McFadden assumed responsibility for a new “super ministry” covering work, pensions, and skills. Steve Reed became housing secretary, while Lucy Powell was removed as leader of the Commons.

Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is understood to have played a central role in orchestrating the changes, which many Labour insiders see as a tilt to the political right. The loss of Rayner and Murray has further reduced the presence of the party’s soft-left voices at the top table.

For Alexander, the appointment marks a striking political comeback. Once one of Labour’s most senior figures in Scotland, he lost his Paisley and Renfrewshire South seat to the SNP in 2015 during their post-referendum surge. Now, after a decade out of parliament, he returns to government at a pivotal moment as Labour seeks to re-establish its dominance north of the border.