Anas Sarwar has announced he intends to remain as Scottish Labour leader despite the party suffering another painful defeat to the SNP at last month's Holyrood election. The Glasgow MSP broke ranks in February to demand that Keir Starmer resign as Prime Minister, claiming he had become a "distraction" to his party's chances of winning in Scotland.
Sarwar Pays Tribute to Starmer
But Sarwar today paid tribute to the outgoing Labour leader, who announced he would stand down as PM following weeks of speculation, and said he looked forward to working with whoever succeeds him in Downing Street. Speaking to reporters in Glasgow, he said: "My role is, whoever puts themselves forward to be leader of the Labour party, that I'm challenging them on what they mean by change, and what meaningful outcomes they will deliver for people in Scotland and across the UK."
Sarwar highlighted the success of Greater Manchester under Mayor Andy Burnham, stating: "We're in the great city of Glasgow. And I've said for many years, if Glasgow and the west of Scotland could replicate much of what's happened in Greater Manchester, we would be in a much better place. So there are good things we can replicate here. But ultimately, we'll have to wait and see what names emerge, and I see my role as holding people to the commitments they make to Scotland."
No Regret Over Timing
Asked if he was frustrated at the timing of Starmer's resignation happening after the Holyrood election, Sarwar added: "I'm not the type of person who looks back and thinks 'what if'. I'm focused on the here and now, and the future. Keir Starmer has made the decision and it's important we give him the respect he deserves, for all he's done to change the Labour party over the last six years and everything he's done to change the country over the last two years. But there comes a moment when we have to challenge those who come next about what they mean about change, and what outcomes they will deliver for this country."
Reflecting on the election result, Sarwar said: "Do I wish we had a different outcome at the Scottish elections? Of course I do, but we live with the reality of that election result and we've got to hold the Scottish Government to account over the next five years."
Sarwar Defends His Position
Asked if it was not time for him to consider his own position, given Scottish Labour's latest Holyrood election defeat to the SNP, Sarwar continued: "I'm proud to have led a campaign in Scotland that returned 37 Scottish Labour MPs, that beat the SNP yes, but also played a part in beating the Tories. The big fight against Reform at the next general election is a fight I relish and one I want to make the case for."
Asked if he intended to serve a full five-year term at Holyrood as Scottish Labour leader, Sarwar added: "That is my intention, I'm hungry for the fight ahead, and I want to help make sure this country never ends up in the hands of Nigel Farage and Reform." He also noted his good relationship with Andy Burnham: "Andy is someone I've always had a good relationship with. In recent years I've talked a lot about what Andy has built in Greater Manchester and how we need to replicate some of that in Scotland. If he emerges as our next Prime Minister, I hope that same level of hope, heart and energy he has brought to Greater Manchester can be brought to the whole of the UK."
