Anas Sarwar’s sudden resignation as Scottish Labour leader was, according to GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour, “predictable, thoughtless, and deeply disappointing.” She argues that his decision to leave for London, the House of Lords, and a role in Andy Burnham’s government leaves his reputation in tatters and his party in disarray.
Sarwar’s Abrupt Resignation
Gilmour writes that Sarwar’s exit, weeks after Scottish Labour’s worst ever Holyrood election result, dismayed supporters and repelled voters. She suggests a better leader would have waited for the dust to settle before assessing the damage. Instead, she says, “he abandons ship, grabs a lifebelt and goes over the side” before a review of the party’s election campaign is even completed.
Call for a Pause in the Leadership Contest
The GMB Scotland chief warns that Scottish Labour is “needlessly hurtling into a leadership contest” when it needs calm consideration. She argues the party should have paused the contest until the failures of the campaign – built on “personality and memes” – are fully examined. Candidates must understand what went wrong before explaining how they would fix it.
Party’s Core Purpose
Gilmour emphasises that Scottish Labour must first establish what it stands for and whom it represents. “If Scottish Labour does not stand with the working men and women of Scotland, their families and their communities, it stands on sand,” she writes. She calls for industrial strategies, fair pay, apprenticeships, and a properly resourced public sector. She notes that Andy Burnham’s statements promise such action, and that a new prime minister with a story of change will challenge both the SNP government and Scottish Labour itself.
