Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, has publicly called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down, plunging Starmer's leadership into serious crisis. At a hastily arranged press conference in Glasgow, Sarwar stated: 'The distraction needs to end, and the leadership in Downing Street has to change.'
Sarwar cited 'too many mistakes' by Number 10 since Starmer took office, arguing that the Prime Minister's leadership is undermining Labour's chances in the upcoming Scottish parliament elections in May. Recent opinion polls show Labour trailing in third place behind the SNP and Reform UK, with SNP leader John Swinney appearing likely to remain in power.
The Scottish leader's call follows the resignation of Starmer's closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney, amid controversy over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, linked to the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Sarwar revealed he informed Starmer of his intention to call for his resignation earlier in the day, noting that 'we didn't agree'.
Senior Labour sources expressed concern that McSweeney's departure has left Starmer exposed ahead of a series of electoral challenges, including the Scottish elections. However, Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan has not joined the call for Starmer's resignation, despite her party facing a tough contest in Wales.
Cabinet ministers have rallied behind Starmer, with Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy publicly backing him, stating that Starmer won a 'massive mandate' 18 months ago. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Defence Secretary John Healey also voiced support, though some were more muted. Health Secretary Wes Streeting told Sky News that 'Keir Starmer doesn't need to resign.'
Sarwar emphasised his priority is Scotland, saying: 'We cannot allow the failures at the heart of Downing Street to mean the failures continue here in Scotland.' He added that the May election is crucial for Scots, who are 'crying out for competent government, transparency, honesty, and delivery.' Some Scottish Labour MPs have pushed back, with one telling the Guardian: 'Anas does not speak for us all.'
