Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has taken a significant gamble by calling for Keir Starmer to resign, breaking with his previous staunch support for the UK party leader. Sarwar's move comes as Scottish Labour's polling has plummeted to 18%, erasing gains made at the 2024 general election where the party won 35.3% of the vote in Scotland.
Sarwar's calculation is that by declaring his loyalty to Scotland, he can rally voters ahead of the Scottish elections in May. He stated, 'My first priority and first loyalty is to Scotland,' and argued that Downing Street's failures should not affect Scotland. However, critics within Labour have described his decision as 'idiotic, immature and self-defeating.'
The success of Sarwar's strategy depends on Starmer resigning gracefully and being replaced by a candidate who can win back voters who have defected to Reform or the Greens. But the plan is fraught with risks, including the possibility of being seen as weak if Starmer remains, or further damaging Labour's image as a party in turmoil.
Sarwar's allies believe a leadership contest could 'lance the boil' of Starmer's premiership, but opponents will likely use the infighting to portray Labour as divided. Voters may view Sarwar's ruthlessness as betrayal, potentially deepening their disillusionment with the party.
