SNP minister Shirley-Anne Somerville refuses to commit to handing Burnham's offered jobs powers down to Scottish councils
Andy Burnham offered Holyrood control of employment support now held by the DWP, but wanted it passed on to local areas. Shirley-Anne Somerville scoffed that he made suggestions 'as if this was the first time this had been thought of'. She said the Scottish Government is already midway through a three-month consultation. Its plan would create up to 10 larger regional authorities.
Jenny Gilruth said Burnham is acting like 'the first prime minister of England'.
Russell Findlay said Burnham 'opened the door' to another divisive independence referendum.
Stephen Flynn said employability powers were only seventh on John Swinney's wish list.
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Evening StandardSomerville refuses to commit to devolving new powers to Scottish councilsEvening Standard‘Stars are aligning’ for Scottish independence, Swinney to tell SNP conferenceBBC News - ScotlandSwinney insists 'stars are aligning' for Scottish independenceGB NewsAndy Burnham slammed for acting like 'first Prime Minister of England'The SunBurnham must fix the many real problems Britain has – not open an insane Brexit can of wormsBBC News - UKChris Mason: Burnham and Swinney tussle over where power lies in ScotlandDaily Mail NewsAndy Burnham 'opens door' to second independence referendumThe TelegraphThe people of Scotland deserve better than Burnham’s tinkeringEvening StandardBurnham acting like ‘the first prime minister of England’, says GilruthDaily Mail NewsANDREW NEIL: It's early days but I already fear Bumbling Burnham is a dud who's not up to being Prime MinisterEvening StandardPM offers Scotland more powers in bid to move past ‘old politics of conflict’The TelegraphBurnham rules out second Scottish independence referendum
