Glasgow, Scotland – A significant challenge to the leadership of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emerged on , as Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party, publicly called for Starmer to step down. The unexpected intervention throws the UK political landscape into uncertainty, particularly as the country prepares for Scottish Parliament elections in May.
Speaking at a hastily arranged press conference in Glasgow, Sarwar stated, “The distraction needs to end, and the leadership in Downing Street has to change.” He cited “too many mistakes” made by Starmer’s government as undermining Labour’s prospects, especially in Scotland, where the Scottish National Party (SNP) currently holds power.
Sarwar acknowledged a personal connection to Starmer, describing him as a “decent man” and a “friend,” but emphasized that he had reached a point where he could no longer tolerate the ongoing controversies. He indicated that his decision stemmed from a need to prioritize the interests of Scotland and prevent a third decade of SNP governance.
The call for Starmer’s resignation comes amid growing scrutiny over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as the UK ambassador to the United States. This appointment has been particularly contentious due to Mandelson’s past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Sarwar’s move is widely seen as a response to the damage this scandal has inflicted on Labour’s standing, particularly in Scotland, where recent opinion polls show the party trailing behind both the SNP and the Reform Party.
Starmer, however, has resisted calls to resign. Addressing a meeting of the Labour parliamentary party on evening, he declared his commitment to fulfilling his mandate and leading the country, stating he was “not prepared to walk away” or “plunge us into chaos.”
The fallout from Sarwar’s announcement has been swift. Morgan McSweeney, Starmer’s closest advisor, resigned amid the anger surrounding Mandelson’s appointment, followed by the resignation of Starmer’s director of communications, Tim Allan. These departures have left the Prime Minister exposed as he faces a series of crucial electoral tests.
Initial reactions within the Labour Party have been mixed. Some backbenchers had already expressed concerns about Mandelson’s appointment, and Sarwar’s intervention has emboldened those voices. However, several prominent cabinet ministers, including Rachel Reeves, Yvette Cooper, and John Healey, quickly rallied to Starmer’s defense, offering public support.
David Lammy, the Deputy Prime Minister, was the first cabinet minister to publicly back Starmer, stating that the Prime Minister had won a “massive mandate” and should be allowed to continue his work. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, while acknowledging a “febrile” atmosphere, also urged the party to “give Keir a chance.”
The situation is particularly sensitive for Scottish Labour, which has struggled to regain its former prominence in Scotland. Sarwar’s advisors reportedly believe that Starmer’s leadership is now irreparably damaging their chances in the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections. John Swinney, the First Minister of Scotland, has seized on the turmoil within the Labour Party, accusing Sarwar of opportunism and lacking influence within the UK-wide party.
Downing Street has insisted that Starmer will not resign and remains focused on addressing the challenges facing the country. Sources close to the Prime Minister have indicated that he spent the weekend reflecting on his future, but his official spokesperson described his mood as “upbeat” and “confident” on .
The coming weeks will be critical for Starmer as he attempts to regain control of his party and navigate a series of political challenges. The Scottish Parliament elections in May will be a key test of his leadership, and the outcome could have significant implications for the future of the Labour Party both in Scotland and across the United Kingdom.
