MURRAY IN A HURRY

>> Promises huge progress' on Scotland-based GB Energy within weeks in the King's Speech >> Says Government wants to scrap the two-child benefit cap - but only if the country can afford it'

- PAUL HUTCHEON

BY PAUL HUTCHEON Political Editor PLANS to create 53,000 new energy jobs for Scots will be confirmed by the Labour Government in next week's King's Speech.

New Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said "huge" progress will be made imminently on creating the publicly owned GB Energy.

In an interview with the Daily Record, he also gave the thumbs up to Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's plan for elected mayors.

Keir Starmer's landslide win was boosted by a massive rise in Scottish Labour MPs from one in 2019 to 37.

Murray was a lone voice on the green benches for years and he was given the plum role of Scottish Secretary by the Prime Minister.

A key part of his job will be ensuring Labour manifesto commitments, such as GB Energy, are implemented.

Labour has said the investment firm, headquartered in Scotland, will cut energy bills and create more than 50,000 jobs.

The Edinburgh South MP predicted GB Energy will feature prominently in the King's Speech next week, which will lay out the Starmer government's legislative plans.

Speaking in his plush office in Dover House in Whitehall, he said: "GB Energy will be a massive priority and we'll see some huge progress on that in the next few weeks.

"There will be legislative progress.