Sarwar's Public Demand for Starmer's Resignation Rocks Labour Party
In a dramatic escalation of internal Labour tensions, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has delivered a devastating blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer by publicly calling for his resignation. This unprecedented move marks a significant shift, as previous calls for Starmer to step down had largely come from left-wing backbenchers and long-time critics.
A Senior Figure Breaks Ranks
Sarwar, a popular and influential figure within the Labour Party, is by far the most senior member to demand an end to Starmer's premiership. At a hastily arranged press conference, he declared that too many mistakes had been made and that the leadership in Downing Street had become a "huge distraction". He expressed "personal hurt and pain" in calling for his "friend" Starmer to go, but stated his first loyalty must be to Scotland, effectively twisting the knife in a moment of high political drama.
Cabinet Ministers Rally to Starmer's Defence
The attack triggered a swift response from Cabinet ministers, who broke an ominous silence to publicly support the under-fire Prime Minister. Key figures including Rachel Reeves, Deputy PM David Lammy, Ed Miliband, and Steve Reed took to social media and airwaves to throw their weight behind Starmer. However, this show of unity could not mask the severity of Sarwar's intervention, which comes as Starmer reels from the loss of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and director of communications Tim Allan within 24 hours.
Political Calculations and Faltering Momentum
Sarwar's decision appears driven by political necessity, with Scottish Labour sinking in polls ahead of the Holyrood elections in May. He clearly felt compelled to distance himself from the Westminster government. Reports that Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan would join Sarwar's call were quickly rubbished by sources close to her, taking some momentum out of his move. A senior Labour source noted, "Currently looks like Anas has gone over the top by himself."
A Make-or-Break Moment for Starmer
Tonight, Starmer faces a critical test as he delivers a make-or-break speech to Labour MPs in a private Parliamentary Labour Party meeting. Many MPs are furious over the handling of the Peter Mandelson scandal, viewing it as the last straw after a litany of government missteps. While anger is palpable, it does not automatically translate into ousting a Prime Minister. Some MPs, though fed up, have no appetite for a leadership contest and fear the public will not forgive Labour for frequent leadership changes, mirroring Tory instability.
Westminster's Febrile Atmosphere
What is not in doubt is the febrile atmosphere in Westminster today. Sarwar's words represent a body blow to an already weakened Starmer, and the coming hours will be decisive. The next steps will determine whether Starmer can cling to power or if this marks the beginning of the end for his leadership. The political landscape is tense, with every move scrutinized as Labour grapples with its deepest crisis in recent memory.
