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Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly called on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign, yet the Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander maintains that collaboration between the two remains possible. Alexander described their recent disagreements as “sincere and genuine” but emphasized that both leaders are focused on the upcoming Holyrood election in May. Despite Sarwar’s dramatic statement criticizing the situation in Downing Street as “not good enough” and highlighting numerous mistakes made at the highest levels of government, Starmer has firmly refused to step down, assuring Labour MPs of his resilience by saying, “Every fight I’ve been in, I have won.”
In the wake of Sarwar’s criticism, several senior Labour figures have rallied behind the Prime Minister. Douglas Alexander, who spoke with both Sarwar and Starmer the night before, affirmed a “willingness to work together” and noted that Starmer is “very clear he remains determined that Anas Sarwar is the first minister of Scotland.” When asked if Starmer would still be Prime Minister by year’s end, Alexander responded positively. He acknowledged that while mistakes were made during the initial 18 months of government, “to err is to be human,” and expressed a belief that the party should improve in communicating its achievements better.
Following a strong general election performance in Scotland earlier this year, Scottish Labour had hoped to make significant gains against the SNP in the upcoming Holyrood vote. However, Alexander admitted that recent opinion polls appear challenging, with Labour slipping behind the Reform Party into third place. Alexander and deputy leader Jackie Baillie, who co-chair the Scottish Labour election campaign, are united in maintaining their roles despite differing views on Starmer’s leadership; Baillie has supported Sarwar’s call for Starmer to quit. Sarwar explained that his decision was difficult but necessary, emphasizing that although he regards Starmer as a “decent man,” his primary loyalty lies with Scotland, and he must now determine what compromises he can accept amid the ongoing political uncertainties.
Despite Sarwar’s clear call for a leadership change, other prominent Labour figures have urged the party to focus on governance. Chancellor Rachel Reeves reminded the public that Starmer commands a strong mandate from just 18 months ago and stressed the importance of “getting on with the job.” Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy leader Angela Rayner, both considered potential leadership contenders themselves, also voiced support for the Prime Minister. The Welsh First Minister initially withheld comment but later endorsed Starmer, emphasizing the need for stability in turbulent times while expressing reservations over the appointment of Lord Mandelson. Starmer himself addressed Labour MPs, stating he is “not prepared to walk away from my mandate and my responsibility to my country,” underscoring his commitment to leading despite internal opposition
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