Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has made a surprising U-turn, now inviting Keir Starmer to support the party’s efforts in the upcoming Holyrood elections. Just two days prior, Sarwar had publicly called for Starmer’s resignation, but he has since softened his stance, indicating that the Prime Minister and his cabinet can join the campaign—provided they show how the UK government is making a tangible difference in Scotland.
Sarwar’s Change of Heart
At a press conference in Holyrood, Sarwar confirmed that Starmer is welcome to campaign in Scotland, despite his previous demands for the Prime Minister to step down. Sarwar had previously expressed that Starmer and his ministers should remain in London, citing growing public dissatisfaction with the UK government’s policies.
In a statement that surprised many, Sarwar said, “If the Prime Minister and other ministers want to come to Scotland and demonstrate that they’re delivering for Scotland, that’s welcome. But I am leading this campaign; my name is on the ballot paper.” He emphasised that the choice for voters would be between him and the Scottish National Party leader, John Swinney, the current First Minister.
Political Tensions Rise
Sarwar’s abrupt change of tone has raised eyebrows and is seen as a retreat following a lack of substantial backing from Labour MPs. While many of Labour’s 20 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have rallied behind Sarwar, support from the UK party remains tepid. Some Scottish MPs have expressed frustration, branding Sarwar’s earlier call for Starmer to resign as “incredibly high risk and pretty foolish.”
One insider commented, “If Anas does well and becomes First Minister, it could bolster the Prime Minister’s position. If he doesn’t, it complicates things significantly for Starmer.” This sentiment reflects the underlying tension within the party, as the stakes are high for Labour in the forthcoming elections.
Downing Street’s Position
Despite the fractures within the party, Downing Street has confirmed that Starmer will campaign alongside Sarwar in Scotland. His press secretary stated, “He supports Anas to be First Minister, so yes,” affirming a united front in the face of internal unrest. Scotland Secretary Douglas Alexander has also urged the two leaders to move past their differences to focus on the election.
When pressed about his previous call for Starmer to resign, Sarwar maintained his original view but opted for a more diplomatic tone. “I stated my view, I stand by that view, but there’s now general acceptance that things have not been good enough,” he remarked, indicating a desire for change within the party.
Why it Matters
This unexpected turn of events highlights the precarious nature of leadership dynamics within the Labour Party, particularly as they prepare for crucial elections in May. With rising tensions and a divided party, the outcome in Scotland could significantly impact both Sarwar’s political future and Starmer’s leadership. The electorate’s response will not only shape the future of Scottish Labour but may also reverberate across UK politics, making this a pivotal moment for the party.
