Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has declared his intention to win the upcoming Holyrood election "in defiance" of the UK Government's low popularity, while pointedly suggesting senior Westminster figures should not campaign on his behalf.
Sarwar's Defiant Stance on Starmer's Polling
In a candid interview with BBC Radio 4's Today Programme on 8 January 2026, Sarwar acknowledged that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is currently unpopular with the public, despite doing "a good job" on many measures. He stated he would not stand for First Minister while ignoring that political reality, but argued he could overcome it by making the May election a contest focused solely on Scotland.
"I'm telling you that I believe I can win in defiance of it, because I am going to make this election about Scotland," Sarwar asserted, directly challenging pollsters who have written off his chances.
Cabinet Told to Stay in London
When asked if he would welcome the Prime Minister or other UK Cabinet members campaigning in Scotland ahead of the crucial vote, Sarwar delivered a blunt response. He emphasised that he would lead the campaign himself as Labour's candidate for First Minister.
"The best thing the Prime Minister can do, the cabinet can do, and government ministers across the UK can do, is be behind their doors, at their desks, changing outcomes for people across the country," he said, effectively urging them to remain in Westminster.
Confidence Despite Poll Position
Currently ranked as fourth favourite to become the next First Minister, Sarwar pointed to his track record of defying political obituaries for Scottish Labour. He listed a series of achievements that critics had claimed were impossible, including helping to elect a UK Labour government, beating both the Tories and the SNP, and winning the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election.
His comments follow a speech earlier in the week where he admitted the UK Government's mistakes had left voters "angry, frustrated and impatient". He criticised the Westminster leadership for failing to communicate its successes while making errors on policies like winter fuel payments.
Sarwar's strategy appears clear: to create as much distance as possible from a UK Labour administration struggling in the polls, while leveraging his local record to secure a historic victory for Scottish Labour in May.
