Anas Sarwar Stands Firm After Urging Starmer to Quit
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has not communicated with Sir Keir Starmer since the week he publicly demanded the prime minister’s resignation. Despite this silence, Sarwar remains unwavering in his stance.
Speaking to Sky News political editor Beth Rigby, Sarwar revealed he had only spoken to Starmer “a couple of times” during the week in February when he called for the prime minister to step down at a press conference.
“I’ve not spoken to him since that week,” Sarwar confirmed. However, he emphasized that their teams maintain regular contact, and he continues to engage with the cabinet on key issues affecting Scotland.
Starmer’s Reaction: Anger and Continued Dialogue
The Scottish leader disclosed that Sir Keir reacted with anger to his public criticism. “Of course he was going to take it negatively, of course he was going to be angry,” Sarwar acknowledged.
Yet, Sarwar stressed that despite the tension, open communication persists within the Labour leadership. “In fairness to him and other cabinet members, the dialogue hasn’t stopped. We still have very positive conversations about what’s right for Scotland and ensuring a UK Labour government delivers for Scotland.”
Rejecting Coup Rumours: Focused Solely on Scotland
Speculation arose that Sarwar consulted senior Labour figures—including Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy leader Angela Rayner—before calling for Starmer’s resignation. However, the cabinet swiftly united behind the prime minister following Sarwar’s announcement.
Sarwar dismissed any notion of involvement in a coup plot. “To be honest, it didn’t surprise me because I’m not part of any coup. I wasn’t part of any plot. I wasn’t interested in what it meant for Westminster. I’m only interested in what it means for Scotland.”
When asked if he regrets publicly urging the prime minister to quit, Sarwar was resolute: “I’ve stated my position, I stand by it. I don’t recount or recoil from that. I’ve been open about saying this is an unpopular UK Labour government and that the prime minister is unpopular—that’s a statement of fact.”
Personal Ties, Political Challenges
Sarwar revealed the personal difficulty behind his political decision. He described his relationship with Starmer as a friendship, which made calling for his resignation particularly tough.
“Keir Starmer is someone I know, someone I like, someone I call a friend, and someone I’ve spent a lot of time with,” Sarwar said. “I know he is a good, decent man who wants the best for this country. That made my position very, very difficult.”
May Elections: Labour’s Defining Moment
The Scottish Labour leader identified the upcoming elections on 7 May—including the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and English mayoral and local contests—as a critical juncture for Labour.
Sarwar echoed Angela Rayner’s sentiment that the party is “running out of time.” He lamented the public’s lack of awareness about Labour’s achievements and the repeated missteps undermining the government.
“When Westminster politicians like Angela talk about time, they mean the next three years. I’m focused on the next 50 days,” Sarwar concluded, signaling the urgency of the party’s immediate challenges.
