A platitude, I know, but to govern is to choose. Frequently, political choices are influenced or determined by external factors. That is particularly true when contemplating devolved and reserved powers. Scottish Ministers learned that lesson – again – this week as they were confronted by the Holyrood consequences of the Chancellor’s statement.

Prime amongst these? Overall spending plans – and public sector pay demands. In particular, how to respond to the threat of strike action by refuse collectors which could hit a range of council areas – including Edinburgh during the Festival.

That challenge just became more acute – with the decision by the Rachel Reeves to agree pay settlements for England which feature sundry 5.5 per cent deals. Scottish local authorities have offered the refuse collectors 3.2 per cent. Councils say they would need Holyrood help to offer more.

There had been vague hints that a deal might be done at 4 per cent. No longer. Scottish workers will want parity with those English deals.

In vain, Ministers point out that public sector pay is already higher in Scotland. That individual comparisons are not always precise.

John Swinney (Image: free)

Enter Ian Murray, the new Secretary of State for Scotland. An astute, experienced and moderate politician. Once the sole Scottish Labour figure in the Commons. Now surrounded by a squad. Mr Murray suggested that there would be more money flowing to Scotland as a consequence of the Chancellor’s statement. That cash, he proposed, might be used to settle the refuse dispute.

Now, I am........

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