Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has been left dangerously isolated after his dramatic bid to force Sir Keir Starmer's resignation spectacularly backfired, exposing severe fractures within his party. The attempted Downing Street coup failed to gain any significant momentum, with potential challengers refusing to join the revolt and prominent figures publicly condemning his actions.
Failed Coup Exposes Party Rifts
Mr Sarwar's call for the Prime Minister to step down has created what opponents describe as "complete meltdown" within Scottish Labour ranks, occurring with less than three months remaining before crucial Holyrood elections. The Scottish Labour leader secured support from only two of his party's Scottish MPs – Brian Leishman and Euan Stainbank – while facing harsh criticism from colleagues and peers.
Public Condemnation and Private Tears
The fallout has been particularly brutal behind closed doors. One MP, Johanna Baxter, reportedly broke down in tears during a Parliamentary Labour Party meeting, accusing Mr Sarwar of "treacherous behaviour." Senior Scottish peer Lord George Foulkes stated bluntly: "I think it was unwise and I told him so beforehand, and it's backfiring I think."
Even Baroness Helena Kennedy, another prominent Scottish Labour figure, backed Sir Keir and suggested he had been "liberated" by the recent resignation of his chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
Damage Control Efforts Intensify
Sir Keir Starmer and his senior ministers launched a concerted damage limitation exercise yesterday, with the Prime Minister repeatedly insisting he remains "100 per cent supportive" of Mr Sarwar's ambition to become First Minister. Speaking to broadcasters, Sir Keir declared: "I've got huge respect for Anas Sarwar. Obviously, he made his views known yesterday. But I want to be really clear that I'm 100 per cent supportive of Anas Sarwar to be the First Minister in Scotland."
Potential Successors Distance Themselves
The leadership challenge has failed to attract support from potential successors. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and other likely candidates have distanced themselves from Mr Sarwar's position. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, while backing the Prime Minister, described the ongoing Peter Mandelson scandal as "deeply troubling."
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander attempted to present a united front, telling BBC Radio Scotland: "I have spoken to both the Prime Minister and Mr Sarwar and I can tell you sincerely there is a willingness to work together."
Mixed Messages from Scottish Labour Ranks
While many Scottish Labour MPs avoided media questions about the leadership crisis, deputy leader Jackie Baillie doubled down on calls for Sir Keir's resignation. Speaking at Holyrood, she argued: "Anas Sarwar is putting Scotland's interests first. He is absolutely right to do so. There have been too many mistakes, too many distractions. We need a change at Number 10."
Election Focus Amidst Turmoil
In a statement following emergency talks, MP Richard Baker, chairman of the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party, attempted to refocus attention on the upcoming elections: "The Scottish Parliament elections in May are a vital opportunity for our country to turn the page on two decades of SNP failure. We agree the election in May must be about one thing and one thing only - Scotland."
Mr Sarwar himself was notably absent from Holyrood yesterday, though he released a campaign video reiterating that "my first priority and my first loyalty is to Scotland." Several Labour MSPs, including Michael Marra, Katy Clark and Martin Whitfield, have publicly backed his position.
Political Fallout and Opposition Criticism
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay seized on the divisions, stating: "Anas Sarwar is in danger of being left out on a limb. His call for Starmer to go has sent Scottish Labour into complete meltdown only weeks away from a Holyrood election. While they fight among themselves, we'll get on with standing up to John Swinney's failing SNP government."
Allies of Mr Sarwar now privately admit the failed coup has risked making him appear isolated at a critical juncture, with the Holyrood elections rapidly approaching and Scottish Labour desperately needing to present a united front against the SNP.
