Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has firmly rejected allegations of being involved in a coordinated effort to remove Sir Keir Starmer from his position as leader of the Labour Party. This assertion follows Sarwar’s recent public call for Starmer to resign, a move he hopes will galvanise support ahead of the upcoming Holyrood elections in May. Sarwar’s comments come at a time when the Labour Party faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of various controversies.
Sarwar’s Call for Leadership Change
At a press conference on Monday, Sarwar articulated his belief that the leadership in Downing Street requires a significant overhaul, referencing ongoing scandals that have plagued the party. He highlighted the appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States, despite Mandelson’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, as a prime example of the “distraction” that has hindered the party’s progress. Sarwar stated, “The leadership in Downing Street has to change,” underscoring his view that the current situation is untenable.
Despite facing pushback from other Labour figures who have rallied around Starmer, Sarwar maintained his stance. On Wednesday, he expressed his satisfaction with the growing acknowledgment that the party has made “far too many mistakes” and that it is time for change. “I welcome the fact that there is now general acceptance that things have not been good enough,” he said, reinforcing his position.
Suspension of MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy
In addition to his criticisms of Starmer, Sarwar announced the suspension of MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy following revelations about her relationship with Sean Morton, a convicted sex offender. The decision came after “new information” surfaced, prompting an internal party investigation. Sarwar stated that he had acted decisively upon learning about Duncan-Glancy’s past connections to Morton, who has faced multiple convictions for serious sexual offences.
Duncan-Glancy had previously expressed regret for maintaining contact with Morton after his initial conviction in 2017. However, reports have indicated that she continued her association with him even after his sentencing in January 2025 for further offences. In light of these developments, Sarwar stripped her of her candidacy and removed the party whip, citing the need for accountability and integrity within Labour’s ranks.
Fallout from the Controversy
The fallout from these events has extended beyond Duncan-Glancy. Lord Doyle, a former communications director for Starmer, has also been suspended from Labour’s Westminster group due to his association with Morton. This suspension reflects the party’s increasing urgency to distance itself from any connections to misconduct. Starmer has faced significant criticism from opposition parties regarding his management of these controversies, particularly the vetting process for appointments within the party.
Critics have pointed out that Starmer did not receive a “full account” from Doyle during his vetting for a peerage. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has been particularly vocal, labelling Starmer as “the most gullible former director of public prosecutions in history” for the oversight. The pressure on Starmer intensifies as calls for accountability grow louder.
Political Ramifications Ahead of Elections
As the Scottish Labour Party gears up for the Holyrood elections, Sarwar’s bold stance may serve as a double-edged sword. While his call for Starmer’s resignation has resonated with some within the party, it has also drawn a line between him and many senior Labour figures who remain loyal to the leader. Only a handful of Scottish Labour MPs have publicly supported Sarwar’s position, suggesting a lack of widespread backing for his gamble.
Sarwar’s actions could be perceived as a strategic move to position himself as a reformer within the party, yet they also risk alienating key allies. The political landscape is fraught with tension, and how this controversy unfolds may significantly impact Labour’s fortunes in Scotland.
Why it Matters
The developments surrounding Anas Sarwar and Sir Keir Starmer are critical in understanding the current dynamics within the Labour Party. As the party navigates a series of scandals, the calls for leadership change reflect deeper issues of accountability and governance. The outcome of these internal disputes could have profound implications for Labour’s electoral success in Scotland, particularly as public trust wanes amidst allegations of poor judgement and misconduct. As the Holyrood elections approach, the decisions made now will shape the future of Labour’s leadership and its direction in the coming years.