Sarwar Issues Stark Warning Over Reform UK Votes
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has issued a dire caution that casting ballots for Nigel Farage's Reform UK party could inadvertently secure another decade of SNP governance in Scotland. The MSP, who recently demanded Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, articulated this position in an interview with the Scottish Mail on Sunday, framing the upcoming Holyrood elections as a pivotal moment for change.
Urging Voters to Look Beyond Anger
Mr Sarwar acknowledged widespread voter frustration with UK Labour counterparts but implored the electorate to transcend this sentiment. 'I'd ask you to look past your anger at Labour - only we can beat the SNP in the seats needed to end 20 years of nationalist misrule,' he stated. 'The truth is that only Scottish Labour can beat the SNP - Reform will only help them cling onto power for another miserable decade.'
He emphasised that the May election carries significant consequences, centred squarely on removing the SNP from office. 'We need a First Minister who will be honest – that isn't what we have with John Swinney and this rotten SNP government,' Sarwar added, criticising the current administration's integrity.
Revealing the 'Lightbulb Moment'
The Scottish Labour leader elaborated on his controversial call for the Prime Minister to step down, describing it as a 'lightbulb moment' triggered by a media encounter. After questioning First Minister John Swinney about failures in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital infections scandal, Sarwar faced journalists who focused on Peter Mandelson instead of the issue.
'I was faced with a barrage of questions from journalists, not about the QEUH, those grieving families or the government's attempt to conceal the truth, but about Peter Mandelson,' he recounted. 'I realised it wasn't credible to call out the lies and dishonesty of John Swinney and his party while having to face questions about the lies and dishonesty of Peter Mandelson.'
Polling Data Highlights Reform Threat
Recent surveys underscore the electoral challenge posed by Reform UK. A More in Common poll last week placed Reform second with 20% of the list vote, ahead of Labour at 19%, the Liberal Democrats at 13%, Conservatives at 12%, and Greens at 9%. On constituency votes, the SNP leads with 35%, though this marks a two-point drop since September, while Reform holds 19% and Labour 18%.
Analysis by Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at Strathclyde University, projects these figures would yield 59 seats for the SNP—six short of a majority—with Reform and Labour each securing 19 seats. Sir John noted that 'the potential pathway to the SNP winning the election has been paved by the rise of Reform,' highlighting how divided opposition could benefit nationalists.
Commitment to Honesty and Difficult Decisions
Mr Sarwar defended his stance as a demonstration of integrity, vowing to 'always be straight with people' and prioritise Scotland's interests even when it entails personal political risks. 'Unlike the SNP, I won't dress things up, hide behind process, or say one thing in public and another in private,' he asserted, contrasting his approach with that of the incumbent government.
He reiterated that Scottish Labour represents the sole credible force capable of blocking the SNP's return to power in May, warning that a vote for Reform would dilute anti-nationalist efforts and prolong what he termed two decades of mismanagement under SNP rule.
