Sir Keir Starmer remains steadfast in his determination to see Anas Sarwar become Scotland's next first minister, even after the Scottish Labour leader publicly called for the Prime Minister to step down from office. This revelation comes from Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, who confirmed Sir Keir's unwavering support despite the significant political rift that emerged this week.
Public Disagreement Over Leadership
On Monday, Anas Sarwar delivered a striking blow to the Labour leadership by demanding Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, citing "too many mistakes" from the Westminster government. The Scottish Labour leader characterized the Prime Minister and the ongoing controversy surrounding Lord Peter Mandelson's appointment as a "distraction" from his campaign to unseat the SNP in May's crucial Holyrood elections.
Cabinet Rallies Behind Starmer
Despite this public challenge, members of the UK Cabinet have closed ranks in support of the embattled Prime Minister. Douglas Alexander, serving as both Scottish Secretary and co-chair of Scottish Labour's election campaign, asserted on Tuesday that Sir Keir would remain in Downing Street through the end of the year.
Alexander acknowledged there had been a "sincere and genuine disagreement" between the two Labour figures but emphasized that Sir Keir remains "determined" to see Sarwar triumph in the Scottish elections. Remarkably, even as Sarwar became the most senior Labour figure to demand the Prime Minister's resignation, Alexander insisted there persists a "willingness to work together" between the two men.
Radio Interview Clarifies Positions
During an appearance on BBC Radio Scotland's breakfast programme, Alexander elaborated on the relationship between the Labour leaders. "I have spoken to the Prime Minister in the last few hours, I have spoken to Anas, and I can tell you sincerely there is a willingness to work together," he stated.
The Scottish Secretary continued: "Keir Starmer was on the phone to me yesterday evening making very clear he remains determined Anas Sarwar is the first minister of Scotland after May. Equally, Anas is clear he has set out his position, he will work hard to take the fight to the SNP in the coming months."
Focus on Electoral Challenge
Alexander stressed that despite the disagreement, the fundamental political objective remains unchanged. "The task at hand remains the same, which is that there is a judgment to be made in just over three months time as to who we want to be the government of Scotland," he declared.
He further criticized the current Scottish administration, stating: "I will be making the case to every voter across Scotland that Scotland deserves better than the government we've got just now, a failing SNP government that if it knew how to solve Scotland's problems it would have done so in the first 19 years."
Political Context and Challenges
Current polling presents a challenging landscape for Labour, suggesting the party might finish third in May's election behind both the SNP and Reform. This electoral reality adds complexity to the internal Labour dynamics playing out between Westminster and Holyrood.
Sir Keir addressed his parliamentary colleagues on Monday evening during a packed meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, where he firmly rejected calls for his resignation. The Prime Minister defiantly told MPs: "I've won every fight I've ever been in."
Alexander's Dual Role and Perspective
As co-chair of Scottish Labour's election campaign, Alexander occupies a unique position bridging both UK and Scottish political spheres. He made clear that "the Prime Minister has my support" while also suggesting Sir Keir "has recognised lessons have to be learned" from recent events.
"There was, to put it mildly, an honest and genuine disagreement yesterday, followed by a full and frank airing of positions," Alexander reflected. "But the action by yesterday evening from across the party was 'let's get back to work.'"
External Political Pressure
The Scottish Greens have intensified pressure on Labour by submitting a motion at Holyrood calling for Sir Keir's resignation. Party co-leader Ross Greer challenged Labour MSPs to support the motion, stating: "Keir Starmer has shredded the little moral authority he had left and he's clearly lost the public."
Greer directly addressed Scottish Labour parliamentarians: "Labour's MSPs know that better than anyone, they're the ones knocking on doors and watching their vote go up in smoke. I'm giving those MSPs the opportunity to tell us where they stand. Are they with Anas Sarwar or Keir Starmer? If it's Sarwar, they should back my motion and make clear that they have no confidence in the Prime Minister."
Despite these external pressures and internal disagreements, Alexander maintains that both Labour leaders remain focused on their shared objective. "The Prime Minister is at pains to emphasise that he is very clear he wants Anas Sarwar as first minister in May, and Anas Sarwar was very clear that he is determined to take the fight to a failing SNP government," he concluded.
