Scotland’s New MPs Prepare for Swearing-In at Westminster Following Labour’s Election Victory

Scotland’s 57 MPs are gearing up to be sworn in at Westminster following a dramatic general election that saw Labour reclaim power after 14 years, with Sir Keir Starmer assuming the role of prime minister.

The election saw Labour making substantial gains in Scotland, transforming swathes of seats previously held by the Scottish National Party (SNP) into Labour red. From just two seats before the election, Labour’s tally has surged to 37, underscoring their revival in Scottish politics.

Patricia Ferguson has experience in Holyrood.

Before their parliamentary debut, the newly elected Labour MPs met at Downing Street with Prime Minister Starmer. Among them, Ian Murray, now appointed Secretary of State for Scotland, emphasized the importance of safeguarding jobs at the Grangemouth refinery, a crucial site for the nation’s clean energy aspirations.

Douglas Alexander, a seasoned figure in Labour politics, reclaimed his seat in Lothian East after a hiatus since 2015. His return brings back a familiar face from the Blair and Brown governments, marking a symbolic comeback for the party.

Joani Reid overturned an SNP majority of more than 13,000

Another notable returnee is Pamela Nash, who entered Parliament as the youngest MP in 2010 and subsequently led Scotland into union. Nash has now secured victory in Motherwell, Wishaw, and Carluke, marking her return to frontline politics.

The new cohort of Labour MPs also includes figures with diverse backgrounds. Patricia Ferguson and Richard Baker, former Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), bring legislative experience to their new roles. A “buddy system” has been initiated to assist these newcomers in navigating parliamentary procedures, starting with the basics of lockers and security passes.

Torcuil Crichton won the Western Isles seat with an almost 50% share of the vote.

Reflecting on their election triumph, Joani Reid of East Kilbride and Strathaven, granddaughter of the legendary trade unionist Jimmy Reid, expressed Labour’s renewed commitment to serving working people. Reid highlighted ongoing societal challenges and emphasized Labour’s role in addressing these issues.

PA Media Seamus Logan and Douglas Ross at the 2024 general election count

The election night also saw victories for other parties through established figures. SNP stalwarts like Pete Wishart and Stephen Flynn retained their seats, maintaining their significant roles in Scottish politics. Seamus Logan’s victory over Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross in Aberdeenshire North and Moray East was a considerable upset.

Angus MacDonald took the Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire seats on Saturday

As the newly elected MPs prepare to take office, they are set to influence the next chapter of Scottish and UK politics, tackling key issues ranging from economic recovery to social policies in a landscape reshaped by recent electoral dynamics.