There is no mood in the Scottish Labour party for a challenge to Anas Sarwar's leadership, according to one of the MPs who resigned from Sir Keir Starmer's Government. Dr Zubir Ahmed, a former health minister, also stated that Wes Streeting enjoys a 'critical mass' of support among the parliamentary Labour group.
Dr Ahmed's resignation and stance
Dr Ahmed, an ally of Mr Streeting, stepped down as health minister on Tuesday as several Labour figures called for change in Number 10. The Scottish Parliament election saw Mr Sarwar's party slump to 17 MSPs, raising questions about his strategy. Speaking to BBC Scotland's Sunday Show, Dr Ahmed explained why he had not joined Mr Sarwar's call for the Prime Minister to resign in February. He described resigning from government as a 'very high bar' and noted that he still believed Sir Keir might be able to turn things around.
Impact of Sir Keir's unpopularity
The Glasgow South West MP attributed Scottish Labour's poor election results to Sir Keir's unpopularity, which ultimately prompted his decision to quit. Regarding Mr Sarwar, Dr Ahmed said: 'He stabilised the party, then delivered 37 Labour MPs in 2024, of which I am one. And I think there is no mood at the moment for a leadership contest in Scotland, while we're trying to work out more broadly where the Labour Government goes.'
Support for Wes Streeting
Dr Ahmed praised Mr Streeting, noting: 'Wes has a critical mass of support up and down the country, including in Scotland. But I think what's required to move forward properly and to command the confidence of the Parliamentary Labour Party and the country, is some form of discussion. I think this can only happen through the lens of a contest.'
