Scottish Labour Leader Anas Sarwar Reiterates Demand for Keir Starmer to Resign
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has disclosed that he doubled down on his demand for UK Labour leader Keir Starmer to quit during a phone conversation between the two men. Mr Sarwar humorously remarked today that he had taken the 'nuclear option' by publicly calling for Sir Keir to step down on Monday, following the controversy surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador.
Failed Attempt to Oust Starmer Met with Cabinet Backing
The bold move to remove Sir Keir ultimately failed, as members of the Cabinet swiftly rallied behind the Prime Minister in the hours after Mr Sarwar's initial statement. Despite this setback, the Scottish Labour leader stood his ground during a press conference, describing the subsequent phone call with Sir Keir as 'a perfectly fair and reasonable conversation' focused on the upcoming Holyrood election scheduled for May 7.
'I made very clear that I want a UK Labour Government demonstrating it's delivering for Scotland, and I made clear that the choice in the election campaign is going to be between me and (First Minister) John Swinney,' Mr Sarwar asserted. 'I didn't step back from what I said, I stand by what I said and what I stated, but I'm looking to the future and the choice between me and John Swinney for this country.'
Sarwar Jokes About Taking 'Nuclear Option' Twice in One Week
During the same event, Mr Sarwar reaffirmed his party's commitment to nuclear energy, quipping that he had taken the 'nuclear option' twice within the same week. He expressed a sense of liberation after calling for the Prime Minister's resignation, stating, 'Honesty is strength, not weakness.' When questioned about his position following Monday's statement, he added, 'We have seen dishonesty from this SNP Government time and time again. I feel liberated and energised for the election campaign ahead, because, for me, my first loyalty and my first priority is to my country, Scotland.'
Mr Sarwar emerged as the most senior Labour figure to demand Sir Keir's departure, citing worries that the ongoing 'distraction' from Downing Street could jeopardise his party's chances of defeating the SNP in May's Holyrood elections. This marked a stark reversal from just days earlier, when he had supported the embattled PM to remain in office for the vote.
Personal Pain and Political Loyalty in Sarwar's Stance
At a press conference in Glasgow earlier in the week, the Scottish Labour leader declared there had been 'too many mistakes' in Downing Street. He shared with 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 is someone that I have campaigned alongside, worked alongside for the last five years in my role as leader, someone that I campaigned ferociously for to make sure we could get rid of a Tory government, and someone who I have supported in the last 18 months.'
While acknowledging Sir Keir as 'someone that I regard as a friend,' Mr Sarwar emphasised that his 'first loyalty has to be to my country, Scotland.' He admitted the situation caused him personal hurt and pain, yet he remained steadfast in his political convictions.
Unity Within Scottish Labour Amidst Internal Tensions
Despite the tumultuous start to the week, Mr Sarwar stressed today that Labour in Scotland is '100 per cent united.' He also endorsed Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander in his role as co-chair of the party's campaign north of the border, even though Mr Alexander had publicly supported the Prime Minister on Monday. 'Douglas Alexander was appointed Secretary of State by Keir Starmer, he was appointed co-chair of the campaign by me, and I see no issue at all in terms of the role he'll play in that campaign, because every Scottish Labour MP is going to be involved in that campaign to make sure we elect a Scottish Labour government,' Mr Sarwar explained.
A Downing Street spokesman responded, 'As the Prime Minister has said, the whole of the Labour Party wants Anas Sarwar to become first minister and will fight for a Labour government in Scotland.' This statement underscores the complex dynamics within the party as it navigates internal disagreements while preparing for a critical electoral battle.
