Anas Sarwar's Defining Moment: Mandelson Questions Spark Leadership Call
Last week, I took an action that undoubtedly surprised many observers. I made the profoundly difficult decision—one no Scottish party leader would relish—to publicly call for a change in Downing Street leadership. The catalyst for this hard call came immediately after I had rigorously questioned First Minister John Swinney in parliament about one of the most heartbreaking and critically important issues of my political career: the ongoing scandal at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
The Hospital Scandal Overshadowed
For seven long years, I have investigated and championed concerns on behalf of courageous whistle-blowers and grieving families. Patients lost their lives, and families remain without answers after years of deception from the health board and SNP ministers. This represents the most significant scandal in Scotland during the entire devolution era.
Yet, moments after leaving the Holyrood chamber following my interrogation of the First Minister, journalists confronted me with a barrage of questions—not about QEUH, the grieving families, or the government's attempts to conceal the truth, but about Peter Mandelson. This realization shook me to my core.
The News Agenda Distorted
It became clear that judgments within my own party had become Scotland's news agenda, rather than what should have dominated: the victims of Jeffrey Epstein or the tragic loss of lives and broken hearts resulting from this SNP government's failures. I recognized it was no longer credible to condemn the lies and dishonesty of John Swinney and his party while simultaneously facing questions about Peter Mandelson's falsehoods.
Having made that decisive call, I feel liberated. I did what I believe is right for both the people of Scotland and my party in Scotland. This was the moment I understood that the scandal surrounding Mandelson's appointment was preventing me from properly highlighting critical Scottish issues.
Acting Alone, Standing Firm
I acted independently, and I stand unequivocally by my statements. That illuminating moment facing Mandelson questions fundamentally changed everything. I will always be straightforward with people—unlike the SNP, I refuse to embellish facts, hide behind bureaucratic processes, or say one thing publicly while believing another privately.
As demonstrated after my decision, I will consistently do what is right for Scotland, even when it requires personally difficult choices. The undeniable truth remains that only Scottish Labour can defeat the SNP—Reform UK will merely help nationalists cling to power for another miserable decade.
Understanding Anger, Seeking Support
I recognize many feel anger toward a UK Labour government, and I understand that sentiment completely. However, I urge voters to look beyond their frustration with Labour—only we can defeat the SNP in the constituencies necessary to end twenty years of nationalist misrule.
The reality is this SNP government is addicted to secrecy and waste, demonstrating utter incompetence. From placing sex offenders in women's prisons to shamefully pressuring premature hospital openings, then attempting to cover up infections and patient deaths at QEUH—enough is truly enough.
The Stakes of the May Election
The choice we face in May carries significant consequences. This election centers on one fundamental objective: removing the SNP from office. Scotland needs a First Minister who will be honest—something we decidedly lack with John Swinney and this rotten SNP administration.
Voting for Reform UK will effectively keep the SNP in power for ten additional years. Consider their dismal record: ten thousand homeless children across the country, patients enduring hours in A&E, and others waiting excessively for tests and vital operations. This situation is completely unacceptable.
Labour's Day-One Priorities
That is precisely why, if honored with election as First Minister, cutting waiting lists will constitute a day-one priority for my government. This isn't merely a campaign slogan—it's a clear, actionable plan backed by relentless focus on delivery.
Alongside the NHS, our schools and local services have been systematically neglected. For years, SNP ministers' financial incompetence has hollowed out council funding, forcing communities to bear the brunt of cuts. This isn't distant history—the culprits remain in power today.
A Clear Choice for Scotland
This election presents a choice between more of the same or a decisive change of direction. Meaningful change requires honesty about failure, and I consistently call out failure whenever I encounter it. I won't evade difficult questions.
That's why I demanded leadership change at Downing Street, and I stand firmly by that position. I've been clear that I believe Keir Starmer is a decent man—we've always maintained good relations, and he has dedicated his life to public service.
Scotland's Interests First
However, Scotland's interests must always come first, even when that necessitates difficult decisions, upsets people, and invites commentary from those who believe Scotland should simply follow along. The May 7 election will ultimately depend on voters supporting the party best positioned to defeat the SNP.
In Scotland, that party is Scottish Labour. We can finally end their prolonged time in office. When a government has remained in power as long as the SNP, they resist scrutiny—pointing fingers elsewhere rather than facing consequences for their decisions.
The Public Sees Through Deflection
The public isn't fooled. People recognize the difference between genuine leadership and mere deflection. Consider Queen Elizabeth University Hospital: this transcends typical political disputes—it concerns patient safety, life, and death. We now know Scotland's largest hospital lacks proper validation and verification.
Let me state this plainly: patient safety must always supersede politics. My commitment to families, patients, and staff is that Scotland must establish an open, transparent process. If remedial work is necessary, it must proceed. If wards require temporary closure, they should close—because I will never compromise patient safety.
A Legacy of Political Pressure
People died at that hospital because it wasn't safe when it opened. Why? Because political pressure was applied to open it before the 2015 General Election. SNP ministers prioritized positive publicity and using a hospital as campaign material over doing right by patients.
Eleven years since its opening, rather than admitting their role, John Swinney and the SNP have chosen deflection and cover-up. They've avoided responsibility and denied families crucial answers. This isn't leadership—it's cowardice. And it reveals everything about why this election matters profoundly.
The Trust Deficit
A government that cannot be honest about a hospital scandal cannot be trusted with the NHS. An administration addicted to secrecy cannot be trusted to manage public services. A government treating public funds as personal resources cannot be trusted to fix basic necessities enabling decent lives.
If you want to end SNP chaos, cut waiting lists, and make our NHS future-ready—if you desire a government respecting both law and public money, if you want truth spoken plainly and jobs done properly—then we must remove the SNP. That's the clear choice before us. And I am determined to win this battle, for Scotland's sake.
