Separate Scottish party '˜would hurt Labour badly'

Any split between UK and Scottish Labour would be detrimental to the entire party, the new shadow Scottish secretary insisted, as he called for a move beyond 'individual personality conflicts' after the leadership race.

Kezia Dugdale, leader of Scottish Labour and Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the UK Labour Party. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Dave Anderson issued a plea for unity during a two-day visit to Scotland in which he met union representatives in Aberdeen.

He also denied reports he said he had been snubbed by Scottish leader Kezia Dugdale, stating he was in “constant dialogue” with the MSP and her office.

The Blaydon MP took over the shadow cabinet role after Labour’s only Scottish MP Ian Murray quit in protest against Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.

Shadow Scottish Secretary Dave Anderson said any split between UK and Scottish Labour would be 'detrimental' to the entire party. Picture: PA

Ms Dugdale has also spoken out against Mr Corbyn’s bid to stay on as leader.

The bitter battle for control of the UK party has led some Scottish Labour figures to advocate for an independent party north of the Border.

Mr Anderson said: “All of us should get behind the person who is elected as leader and do everything we can to focus on the real split in this country – between those who have and those who haven’t.”

On a UK / Scottish Labour split, he said: “There is absolutely no evidence that is being suggested or mentioned by anyone.

“I would hope that – whoever is the leader of our party – that never happens.

“Any split of that kind will only be detrimental to all of us.”