A UK minister has described Ian Murray as “a hero” following his removal as Secretary of State in Sir Keir Starmer’s recent reshuffle, insisting the Edinburgh South MP remains a vital force within government despite his demotion.
Small businesses and economic transformation minister Blair McDougall also described Mr Murray as their "Rorke’s Drift"- a battle during the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879, when a small British garrison of around 150 soldiers successfully defended a mission station against an attacking Zulu force of over 3,000 warriors.
The defence became legendary in Britain, remembered as an example of courage and resilience against overwhelming odds - it was later immortalised in the 1964 film Zulu featuring Michael Cain.
Speaking to journalists in Edinburgh, Mr McDougall praised Mr Murray’s resilience and his role in defending Labour’s position in Scotland as the only Scottish MP for a while.
“I'm glad he's still in government. Ian's a hero. He's an absolute hero to all of us,” he said. “He was our Rorke’s Drift for a while. He's a campaigner and he's a fighter and I'm delighted he's still in government.”
Mr Murray was replaced by Douglas Alexander and he was made a junior minister jointly in the department for culture, media and sport and the department for science, innovation and technology following backlash to his sacking.
His dismissal from the Scottish portfolio sparked anger among some within the party, but McDougall suggested the sting was softened by his continued role inside government.
“If he hadn't been in government, I think we all would have felt it was a loss,” he admitted. “It was a big reshuffle. So I don't think anything was a surprise, really.”
Mr McDougall's visit also comes at a time when Keir Starmer's leadership is being questioned ahead of their party conference which begins on Sunday.
Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham has told journalists he had been contacted by Labour MPs "throughout the summer" about the prospect of him returning to Westminster to lead Labour and replace Mr Starmer as prime minister.
Asked whether he still had confidence in Mr Starmer, Mr McDougall, who is the MP for East Renfrewshire, was emphatic.
“100%," he said, "People talk about things being rough in politics. Real people’s lives — struggling to get to the end of the month, making impossible choices in family budgets. This someone who is focused on the big changes, the big reforms, the structural changes that are going to make people's lives better.”
The minister made the comments to journalists while in Edinburgh attending a business roadshow, where he delivered a keynote address.
Mr McDougall said: “Scottish businesses are known for providing world-class Financial and Professional services, and this roadshow will be an excellent opportunity to showcase that talent and connect businesses with new international partners, opening the door to new markets.
“Export success and the professional and business services sector are key to the government’s Industrial Strategy and Plan for Change, which will drive growth and create well-paid jobs. That is why we are doing everything we can to support our small and medium sized businesses to grow and succeed.”
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