The next leader of Scottish Labour must be ready to take on the SNP from day one, as the party searches for a successor to Anas Sarwar. The role is widely seen as one of the most challenging in UK politics, with Scottish Labour having not won a Holyrood election since 2003 and often being dismissed by the SNP as a branch office.
A tough job ahead
Despite solid results in UK elections in 2005, 2010, and 2024, Scottish Labour MPs are often perceived as blending into the background at Westminster. The new leader will face not only the experienced John Swinney but also the challenge of Reform UK on the populist right.
Sarwar, who held the role for five years, described it as the hardest job in British politics during an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe. While that claim is debatable, the opposition in the Scottish Parliament has been weak for too long, allowing a complacent SNP Government to push through half-baked policies.
Holding the SNP to account
Sarwar had his critics, but he did not shy away from trying to restore Labour to power at Holyrood. Although he ultimately failed, his successor must hit the ground running, as it is in everyone's interests that the SNP is held to account.
Glasgow's housing crisis
Meanwhile, Glasgow City Council is spending millions of pounds every month on private hotels and B&Bs for temporary accommodation, despite struggling to afford basic services. This is a direct consequence of a housing emergency that the Scottish Government has failed to address, despite repeated calls for action.
Scotland's largest cities are desperately short of affordable housing, but civic leaders appear powerless to act. The solution should be building more publicly owned social housing, rather than handing taxpayers' money to private landlords who profit from renting out often poor-quality properties to the vulnerable.
Need for firm leadership
Glasgow has plenty of vacant land and gap sites that could be used for a government-led initiative to build new social housing and end the homelessness crisis. But this requires firm leadership, not more excuses.
