James Mitchell

Professor of Public Policy, Edinburgh University

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

The reaction from McGill's is to the rhetoric in which it was sold to the party faithful rather than the policy which is too vague to be meaningful. John Swinney has managed to leave advocates of public control disappointed while angering opponents of public control.

[Ewan Gibbs @ewangibbs]

If only it were true.

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

Sure is. Public control is pretty vague. Could claim already is under public control. Certainly ain't public ownership. All comes down to form of regulation.

[Chris McCall @Dennynews]

John Swinney takes inspiration from Andy Burnham as he claims bus services across Scotland will be brought back under “public control” - different to public ownership - by 2031.

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

Written on eve of SNP conference. Even more pertinent given what we've seen:

https://t.co/7vvTOfuJFI

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

Ha, suspect you know a few I've in mind Dave. The consultancy vultures ready to suck up, get contracts to provide 'evidence' plus, sadly, academics with similar motives (some facile piece of work that might go into an 'Impact Statement'). We need more from you, Keith et al

[Dave Watson @UnisonDave]

@ProfJMitchell Hopefully my experience keeps me out of the ‘chancers’ category😂. Keith is correct about the upheaval and about the importance of local government. However, he is essentially defending the status quo of the most centralised councils in Europe. We need to return to place.

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

We will get a lot of chancers with no background in local governance jumping on the bandwagon offering 'expertise' now this issue appears on the agenda. But Keith Yates really is expert with vast experience. This should be read, he should be heard.

https://t.co/5UeMue926J

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

More than likely as have been there. Been engaging with practitioners, listening and learning, thinking, writing on reorganisation and institutional reform of public serviced for many years.

[G. @Gordy1967]

@ProfJMitchell I think I sat in front of you getting interviewed many years ago on reorganisation Prof…Maddiston Fire HQ.
Think it was you

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

Who has been involved, what evidence has been gathered, what costings done, how will process impact on service delivery? How does this relate to NHS reforms, local govt finance?

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

There's a need for openness on the process of reorganisation. Having studied previous reorganisations in detail, this looks comparatively incoherent, lacks necessary preparatory work given timescale and yet this is rushed.
https://t.co/D6aLPPkt3o

[The Herald @heraldscotland]

Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra claims Glasgow City Council was underfunded by £357m last year, as SNP ministers face calls for clarity over plans to reform local government in Scotland 👇

[Louise Slorance @LouiseSlorance]

“It appeared that the environmental consideration to make the hospital as energy efficient and as green as possible took priority over the clinical requirement,” [Poplett] said.

@JohnSwinney loves to quote Poplett, will he quote this? 🧵

[The Nobel Prize @NobelPrize]

In awarding this year’s #NobelPeacePrize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wants to remind the world that the rule of law – national and international – underpins the system we have set up to ensure peace and resolve conflicts non-violently. Peace requires justice.

History has shown that a world operating without the rule of law is unjust, unwise and inhumane. The judges – those who guard the thin red line between order and chaos – are therefore highly deserving of our praise. But today, as these same judges are sanctioned, and their institutions are attacked, we need people of courage, vision and determination – qualities that 2026 peace laureate Navi Pillay demonstrates in her work on the bench.

#NobelPrize

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

Language is important.

[Sam Taylor @staylorish]

Bloody hell.

[Johann Lamont @JohannLamont]

Re taking Ministerial role seriously. In my experience, there was a divide in committee appearances by Ministers between those who knew - and understood - their brief and those who simply regurgitated the lines to take and were at least wise enough to ask officials to respond.

[Johann Lamont @JohannLamont]

@ProfJMitchell And worth adding that nowadays instant briefing updates are easily available and accessible. It is not as if they have to be etched on calf skin….

[Johann Lamont @JohannLamont]

@ProfJMitchell He’d have been briefed on all the issues relevant to his responsibilities when he was appointed. Ministers routinely have a pre meeting on the morning of a committee appearance where the most recent issues can be been flagged up. The flippancy is all his own - not the system’s.

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

'His appointment as cabinet secretary ... was seen as a major test.' Appointing someone to Cabinet with no Ministerial experience with his track record when others were more experienced and more serious about policy was deeply irresponsible.

https://t.co/tvccErDkRt

[Sam Taylor @staylorish]

Scot Gov has just published several FOI responses seeking the briefing pack provided to Stephen Flynn before his disastrous Transport Committee session last month. His briefing did cover the ferry gas leak story, proving that Stephen Flynn had not read his briefing pack. Oops.

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

This is very good.

[Fay Young @fay_young]

Politicians tend to delude themselves and their voters. John McLaren advises Andy Burnham to face the difficult facts of fiscal reality. Taking the easy way out is the rapid route to oblivion, he says. Except perhaps in Scotland.

https://t.co/Sb4Q8v1gXA

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

Exactly. The horse before the cart.

[Chris Musson @ChrisMusson]

Make the case for independence, then the people will follow, and so will another referendum. Keep playing the victims, underperforming, and obsessing over process, then nothing will change... and eventually the SNP will be booted out.

[Fay Young @fay_young]

“in an attempt to be seen as dynamic, Scottish Government plans for a rushed restructuring of the public sector.” it will further weaken local democracy, local accountability and local delivery.
ScepticalScot #PublicServiceReform
https://t.co/Qhr8YHik2T

[James Mitchell @ProfJMitchell]

'We believe that a debate on principles should be the first step towards achieving consensus on reform of public services.'

https://t.co/gK8ziim7OF