Anas Sarwar’s public demand for Keir Starmer to resign has revealed a clear fault line within Scottish Labour, with most MSPs rallying to Sarwar while many MPs remain loyal to the prime minister—raising questions for the upcoming Scottish Parliament election.
Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, publicly urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down during a Monday press conference in Scotland. The intervention has exposed a sharp fault line between Scotland-based Labour figures and MPs serving at Westminster, sparking a flurry of statements, media attention and renewed friction inside the party as it heads into the Scottish Parliament election in May.
What happened
– At Holyrood on Monday, Sarwar argued that ongoing distractions at Westminster were weakening Scottish Labour’s ability to campaign effectively and present a credible alternative to the SNP. He called for strategic clarity and, in effect, a change at Downing Street to refocus the party’s Scottish campaign.
– The call prompted immediate reactions across the party. A majority of Holyrood MSPs, regional candidates and some local officials rallied behind Sarwar. At the same time, several Scottish Labour MPs publicly defended the prime minister.
Reaction in Scotland
– Deputy leader Jackie Bailie and MSPs from regions such as Mid Scotland and Fife and Central Scotland backed Sarwar’s demand for accountability.
Candidates on the doorstep reported voters repeatedly asking for stability and a clear First Ministerial figure to replace two decades of SNP rule.
– Campaign teams quickly shifted messaging to emphasise local services, leadership competence and recovery from long-term SNP governance. Supporters said Sarwar’s intervention prioritised Scottish voters; critics warned it could hand opponents ammunition and distract from canvassing.
Westminster response
– Reactions were mixed. Some senior Scottish Labour MPs, led by the chair of the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, moved to defend Starmer, stressing unity and urging colleagues to focus on delivering for voters.
– Privately, a number of parliamentarians called the prime minister’s position untenable and argued fresh leadership would better reflect the party’s values. Others cautioned that forcing change now could fracture the party and damage electoral prospects.
Why this matters
– The dispute has shifted attention away from Scottish policy priorities and toward internal rows. Strategists warn that a sustained public split could dilute campaign messages, divert resources and give opponents an opening to portray Labour as inward-looking.
– Conversely, backers of Sarwar say addressing Westminster distractions is necessary to rebuild voter trust and concentrate the campaign on local issues.
What’s next
– Party officials say further guidance and statements are expected from central offices. Internal debates over campaign leadership, messaging and coordination between Holyrood and Westminster will determine whether the rift widens or can be contained before May.
– For now, Scottish Labour faces a tense balancing act: reconcile competing priorities within its ranks while convincing voters it can offer a united, credible alternative to the SNP.
