A TOP Labour Cabinet Secretary has revealed a surprise connection to First Minister John Swinney.
Pat McFadden, one of Keir Starmer’s inner circle who now serves as the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, told Scottish lobby journalists at Westminster that he had known Swinney for four decades.
“It’s a small world,” McFadden said. “I have known the First Minister for many, many years.
“In fact, almost 40 years ago we shared the same dishwashing job in a Mexican restaurant in Edinburgh, Viva Mexico.”
According to Google Maps, Viva Mexico opened on Edinburgh’s Cockburn Street, just off the Royal Mile, in 1984 but is now permanently closed.
A spokesperson for the First Minister confirmed that he used to work there alongside McFadden.
They quipped: “The First Minister fondly remembers his time washing dishes.
“It is a huge compliment to the magnificent Viva Mexico that it proved to be such a great training ground for a successful career in national politics.”
The news came as Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed he will lead a new “Council of the Nations and Regions,” which will involve the first ministers of the three devolved administrations.
The new body will take the place of joint ministerial councils, which previously operated and brought ministers from Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast together with UK Government ministers.
However, Starmer claimed that under the Tory government the “prime minister didn’t bother turning up” to such meetings – with the then-chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Michael Gove often involved in the talks instead.
The Labour leader again stressed his policy to “reset the relationship” between the Scottish and UK governments.
Starmer insisted: “Yes there are political differences between the two governments but I want to work to deliver for Scotland with anybody who will work with me in that endeavour.”
Scotland’s Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson said: “We look forward to more details on the formation of the council and welcome the opportunity for a reset in relations between the UK and Scottish governments.
“The Scottish Government is ready to work with the new UK Government to agree a collaborative, co-operative approach to intergovernmental relations, which respects devolution and all of the powers of the Scottish Parliament.”
