Anas Sarwar Dismisses Reform UK Deal Rumors as ‘Utter Nonsense’ and Urges Voters to Back Labour in May 7 Election

Anas Sarwar, Leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, has dismissed speculation of a post-election deal with Reform UK as “utter nonsense” and declared he wants the party to get “absolutely pumped” in the upcoming election.

Speaking on BBC Question Time in Aberdeen on Thursday night, Sarwar made a direct appeal for voters to support Labour on May 7, emphasizing that he would not enter into any agreement with the right-wing populist party even if it meant becoming First Minister.

Fiona Bruce grilled Mr Sarwar, 43, on claims that he might seek a pact with Reform UK after the election, which he branded as “utter nonsense”. He stated clearly: “I want Reform to get absolutely pumped in this election, so if you want [inaudible] Reform, vote for me and Labour on May 7.”

The audience responded with applause and laughter, prompting Reform UK Scotland leader Lord Malcolm Offord to accuse Sarwar of attempting to form an allegiance with his party—a claim Sarwar again denied.

Sarwar stressed that he would not work with Reform UK, which had spent thousands on advertisements questioning his loyalty to Scotland. The party, led by Nigel Farage, had previously claimed that Sarwar, born in Glasgow to Pakistani Muslim parents, would “prioritise” Pakistani people.

The Labour leader has been in his position for five years and continues to reject any suggestion of collaboration with Reform UK, maintaining that such allegations are baseless.