Sarwar Confident Scottish Labour Can Defy Polls in Holyrood Election
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has boldly asserted that his party can secure victory in the upcoming Holyrood election on May 7, despite acknowledging their underdog status in recent polling. In an exclusive interview, Sarwar launched a scathing attack on Reform UK, labelling them "Tories in disguise" and condemning what he described as their "race-baiting" political tactics.
Reform UK Branded as 'Tories in Disguise'
Sarwar specifically criticised Reform UK's controversial campaign strategies, including an attack advertisement that suggested he would prioritise the Pakistani community in Scotland. "The great thing about Scotland is that Scots don't look at politicians like Reform or the message of Reform that is one of trying to bring race baiting into our politics and think these people are our saviours," Sarwar declared.
He pointed to Scottish Reform leader Lord Malcolm Offord's political history, noting his previous roles as advisor to Ian Duncan Smith and his work in the governments of Liz Truss and Boris Johnson. "In effect, it's the same people that screwed the country that want the opportunity to do it again," Sarwar argued. "It's the Tories in disguise, same team, different badge."
Focus on Domestic Issues Key to Labour's Strategy
Despite polling showing Labour facing significant challenges in dethroning the SNP, who have been in power for nearly two decades, Sarwar expressed confidence that shifting focus to domestic issues could turn the tide. "I'm confident over the four weeks left of the election campaign, more and more focus will be on Scotland's NHS, our schools, our justice system, our housing system, our local councils," he explained.
"I think the more that focus goes on in this election campaign, the weaker the chances for the SNP and the stronger chances for us," Sarwar added, emphasising his belief that Labour's platform addressing Scottish taxes and public services would resonate with voters.
Polling Experts Express Skepticism About Labour's Chances
Polling guru Sir John Curtice offered a more cautious assessment, suggesting it would be "extremely unlikely" for Sarwar to become First Minister. "Labour's support in Scotland has essentially fallen away since its undoubted success in the Westminster election of 2024," Curtice noted.
The polling expert highlighted the broader context of fragmented politics where "there are no popular politicians," pointing out that even SNP leader John Swinney has negative net ratings, though he acknowledged these are "not very negative by today's standards."
YouGov's first full MRP poll of the Scottish election campaign indicates the SNP remains on track for a fifth term in power at Edinburgh, with both Labour and the Conservatives potentially facing what analysts describe as "historic losses."
Political Allies Rally Behind Sarwar's Leadership
Former Scotland Secretary Ian Murray offered strong support for Sarwar's leadership, dismissing the threat posed by Reform UK. "Their campaign is absolutely falling apart," Murray asserted, referencing recent candidate resignations and what he characterised as a lack of public recognition for Reform's Scottish leader.
Murray also criticised Reform UK's refusal to apologise for what he described as "racist attacks" on Sarwar during the Hamilton by-election last year, reinforcing Sarwar's characterisation of their tactics as divisive and ineffective in the Scottish political landscape.
Sarwar Stands By Previous Calls for PM's Resignation
The Scottish Labour leader also addressed his earlier call for the Prime Minister to stand down over the Peter Mandelson scandal, a position he maintains without regret. "I don't recoil from it," Sarwar stated, though he clarified that he would not become a "day-to-day commentator on the occupant of Downing Street."
Instead, Sarwar emphasised his focus on changing leadership at Bute House, arguing that "that's what's going to impact most people's lives" in Scotland. This strategic prioritisation of Scottish over Westminster politics forms a central pillar of Labour's campaign approach as they seek to overcome their underdog status in the final weeks before the May 7 election.
