Anas Sarwar’s unexpected resignation as leader of Scottish Labour to join Andy Burnham’s government has ignited a political firestorm, with rivals condemning him as a “chancer” and accusing him of deceiving the Scottish electorate. The move comes just months after Sarwar’s campaign to revitalise his party, which ended in dismal results during the recent Holyrood elections.
A Controversial Transition
On Wednesday, 22 July 2026, Prime Minister Andy Burnham appointed Sarwar as a peer and Minister of State at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. His ascent to the House of Lords has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, notably from the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Scottish Green Party.
Gillian Mackay, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, did not mince words: “Anas Sarwar is a chancer. He has gone from promising to scrap the House of Lords to taking a seat in it. The hypocrisy is breathtaking.” This sentiment resonates across the political spectrum, as many see Sarwar’s actions as a betrayal of the principles he once championed.
Accusations of Duplicity
The SNP has been particularly vocal in its condemnation. George Adam, an SNP MSP, accused Sarwar of lying about his intentions regarding the House of Lords, labelling his acceptance of a peerage as “unacceptable”. Adam urged Sarwar to donate his “bumper salary” to charity, highlighting a significant breach of trust between Sarwar and his constituents.
Despite the uproar, insiders close to Sarwar suggest that his resignation was not premeditated. Many within Scottish Labour expressed shock at the announcement, describing a sense of disarray within the party. One staff member lamented, “If he was going to resign, it would have been clearer to have stated that in May and given everyone the chance to have a proper assessment and restructure things however needed.”
Leadership Vacuum
With Sarwar’s abrupt departure, the Scottish Labour party faces a leadership void. As Sarwar relinquishes his parliamentary seat, Monica Lennon, next on the party’s list, is poised to assume his Glasgow position. Lennon, who previously served as an MSP, is viewed as a capable contender for the party leadership.
Other potential candidates include Michael Marra, MSP for North East Scotland, who is also being touted as a viable option. However, the pool is limited, with only 17 Labour MSPs available for selection. While technically possible for an MP or even a member of the House of Lords to take on the Scottish Labour leadership, party tradition favours an MSP for this role due to their responsibilities within the Scottish Parliament.
A New Era of Governance
Sarwar’s departure has raised questions about the future direction of Scottish Labour and its relationship with the UK government. A source close to Sarwar remarked, “The next [Scottish] Labour leader will need to provide balance between the uniquely Scottish offer while being part of a UK-wide party.” This duality may prove challenging, particularly as Burnham prepares for meetings with the leaders of devolved nations, including Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney.
Critics suggest that Burnham’s approach to devolution, especially in relation to the north of England, has often overlooked the needs and interests of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Sarwar’s position could potentially serve to bridge this gap, fostering a more inclusive dialogue within the UK government.
Why it Matters
Sarwar’s resignation underscores a critical moment for Scottish Labour amidst a backdrop of political turmoil and public disillusionment. His swift transition from leader to a role in Westminster raises fundamental questions about loyalty, integrity, and the true motivations of political leaders. As the party grapples with its identity and direction, the repercussions of Sarwar’s actions will resonate far beyond the corridors of Holyrood, influencing the political landscape of Scotland for years to come.
