Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign, plunging the UK government into a fresh crisis. At a hastily arranged press conference in Glasgow, Sarwar said the 'distraction has to end' and that 'the leadership in Downing Street has to change'. He cited 'too many mistakes' by No 10, including the scandal over Peter Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein, which he argued was undermining Labour's chances in the upcoming Scottish parliamentary elections.
Sarwar stated that his priority was Scotland, and he did not want to 'sacrifice' the country to a third decade of SNP government. Recent opinion polls show Labour trailing in third place behind the SNP and Reform in Scotland, with SNP leader John Swinney appearing on course to remain in power. Sarwar revealed he had informed Starmer of his decision earlier in the day, adding that 'we didn't agree'.
The call for Starmer to step down comes after the resignation of his closest adviser, Morgan McSweeney, amid anger over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. Senior Labour sources said McSweeney's departure had left the prime minister dangerously exposed ahead of a series of electoral challenges, including the Scottish elections in May, which could determine his political fate.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy was the first cabinet minister to publicly back Starmer, stating that he had won a 'massive mandate' 18 months ago. Other ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, and Defence Secretary John Healey, also rallied round the prime minister, though some support was more muted. Health Secretary Wes Streeting told Sky News that 'Keir Starmer doesn't need to resign', despite the febrile atmosphere.
Douglas Alexander, the Scotland secretary, said he respected Sarwar's decision but that his own focus remained on ensuring Scotland's voice was heard in cabinet. However, there was an immediate backlash among some Scottish Labour MPs, with one telling the Guardian: 'Anas does not speak for us all.' Sources close to Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan denied she was planning to join the call for Starmer to go, despite Labour facing a difficult election in Wales.
