Scottish Labour Leader Breaks Ranks to Demand Prime Minister's Resignation
In a dramatic political intervention, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has become the most senior figure within the party to publicly demand that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer step down from office. The call came during a press conference in Glasgow, where Sarwar described the decision as causing him significant "personal hurt and pain" given his close friendship with the UK Labour leader.
Mounting Pressure Over Controversial Appointment
The Scottish Labour leader's unprecedented move follows mounting pressure on Starmer over his appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Mandelson's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has sparked widespread controversy and criticism across the political spectrum.
Sarwar, who had previously backed Starmer to remain in post through May's Scottish Parliament elections, performed a stark U-turn, declaring there have been "too many mistakes" in Downing Street. He emphasized that the ongoing row over Mandelson's appointment had become a damaging distraction ahead of the crucial Holyrood vote, where polls suggest Labour could finish third behind both the SNP and Reform.
Personal Friendship Versus Political Duty
The Scottish Labour leader revealed he had spoken with the Prime Minister before making his public statement, acknowledging they had "disagreed" about his remarks. Sarwar told journalists: "There is probably no one in Scottish politics that's had a better relationship with Keir Starmer or a closer friendship with Keir Starmer than I have."
He elaborated on their five-year working relationship, campaigning together to remove the Conservative government, and his continued support over the past eighteen months. Despite this personal connection, Sarwar insisted his "first loyalty has to be to my country, Scotland" and that the situation in Downing Street was "not good enough."
Political Reactions and Accusations of Opportunism
First Minister John Swinney was quick to criticize Sarwar's intervention, describing the Scottish Labour leader as an "opportunist" engaged in "self-preservation." Swinney highlighted Sarwar's previous defense of Starmer's decisions and his description of Mandelson as an old friend, questioning the sudden change of position.
Scottish Labour MP and UK Government minister Ian Murray also expressed strong disagreement, stating Sarwar was "wrong" to call for the Prime Minister's resignation. Murray emphasized the need for stability amid economic challenges, arguing that Starmer deserved more time to address inherited problems.
Election Implications and Moral Questions
Looking ahead to May's Scottish election, Sarwar warned: "We cannot allow the failures at the heart of Downing Street to mean the failures continue here in Scotland." He stressed that the upcoming vote must focus solely on Scotland's future, distancing the Scottish campaign from Westminster controversies.
SNP MP Kirsty Blackman launched a scathing attack, accusing Sarwar of hypocrisy and questioning why he shouldn't also resign given his previous friendship with Mandelson. Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay described the situation as "a devastating day for Labour" and called it a "basic moral test" for all Labour MPs to demand Starmer's resignation over the Mandelson appointment.
Sarwar made clear he was not endorsing any potential successor to Starmer, stating that any leadership process, timeline, and outcome should be determined by the UK Labour Party. The Scottish Labour leader's intervention represents the most significant internal challenge to Starmer's leadership since he became Prime Minister, creating profound divisions within the party just months before crucial elections.
