Key facts
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to visit Scotland during SNP conference.
- Burnham aims to overshadow SNP leader John Swinney's independence referendum push.
- Burnham's pro-union stance and policies present a challenge to the SNP.
- Polling indicates significant favourability for Burnham among Scots.
- SNP seeks to re-energise independence case amid internal challenges.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit Scotland during the Scottish National Party's conference, a move seen as an attempt to overshadow the party's efforts to reinvigorate the case for Scottish independence. Burnham, who has largely avoided direct confrontation with rivals, has specifically targeted SNP leader John Swinney, referencing Swinney's prediction of the UK's dissolution in a recent Labour party conference address. Burnham's pro-union stance, devolution agenda, and openness to exploring a return to the European Union present a different challenge to the SNP compared to previous governments. Polling suggests Burnham is popular among Scots, even among SNP voters. The SNP conference aims to move past recent internal challenges, including the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon and the conviction of former chair Peter Murrell. Despite forming a minority government after the May elections, the party faces competition from Reform and the Scottish Greens. There is a growing appetite in Scotland for closer collaboration between the UK and Scottish governments, with a significant rise in Scots expressing happiness about such a working relationship.