Anas Sarwar has been tipped to quit as Scottish Labour leader to take a role in Andy Burnham’s Government. The announcement could come as early as tonight.
The Glasgow MSP would have to take up a berth in the House of Lords to join the new administration. A Holyrood ban on ‘dual mandates’ means he cannot be an MSP and peer at the same time and will have to resign from the Scottish Parliament soon.
Leadership contest expected
He would also quit as Scottish Labour leader, forcing a leadership contest. Scottish Labour sources said they expected him to join the Lords.
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Sarwar was elected leader of Scottish Labour in 2021 and has served in the post for five years. He has lost two Holyrood elections but presided over a thumping general election victory in 2024.
