Scottish Labour Leader Asks Prime Minister to Quit

The leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar, has said the Prime Minister should resign. This comes after two important staff members left their jobs. The Prime Minister will soon speak to his party.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

Tensions Flare as Senior Labour Figure Urges Prime Minister's Exit

The political landscape has been jolted by a significant intervention from Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour. Sarwar has publicly called for the resignation of the current Prime Minister, making him the most senior Labour voice to do so in the wake of two top aides stepping down within a 24-hour period. This development occurs just hours before the Prime Minister is set to address his parliamentary party, a meeting anticipated to be charged with scrutiny.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls on PM to step down - 1

Background: A Leadership Under Pressure

The calls for the Prime Minister's resignation stem from a series of events, primarily linked to the appointment of Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US. This appointment has drawn significant attention due to Mandelson's known associations with Jeffrey Epstein.

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Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls on PM to step down - 2

  • Sunday: Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff and a close confidant, resigned. His departure is reportedly linked to his role in the Mandelson appointment.

  • Monday Morning: Tim Allan, Downing Street's Head of Communications, also resigned.

  • Monday Afternoon: Anas Sarwar held an emergency news conference in Glasgow to voice his demand for the Prime Minister to step down.

This period of internal upheaval precedes upcoming elections in Scotland, suggesting a strategic move by Sarwar to differentiate his regional party from the national leadership.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls on PM to step down - 3

Evidence of Discontent and Support

Direct statements and reports illuminate the situation:

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls on PM to step down - 4

"The Prime Minister has my full support in leading us to that end." - Angela Rayner, former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, posting on X.

"Anas Sarwar called on the Prime Minister to resign. My focus remains on doing that." - Downing Street statement, as reported by STV News.

"He was in the job three months and he's already leaving. If he can't do the job, then he should step aside and let someone else do it." - Anas Sarwar, quoted by LBC.

"Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called on the Prime Minister to step down in a bombshell blow to his hopes of staying in No10." - The Evening Standard.

Sarwar's Position and Rationale

Anas Sarwar's call for the Prime Minister to resign marks a significant departure from the unified front previously presented by many within the party.

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  • Timing: Sarwar's intervention occurs shortly before a crucial meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) and in the run-up to May's Holyrood elections.

  • Motivation: While not explicitly stated as the sole reason, the Epstein revelations concerning Lord Mandelson's appointment appear to be a major catalyst. Sarwar is quoted stating, "The situation in Downing Street is not good enough." He also added, "It’s time he came out of hiding, grew a backbone, and called for Keir Starmer to go."

  • Party Alignment: Notably, Sarwar is described as being from the "same wing of Labour as the PM," suggesting this is not a purely factional disagreement but a broader judgment on leadership efficacy.

Countervailing Support for the Prime Minister

Despite Sarwar's public demand, several prominent Labour figures have publicly reaffirmed their backing for the Prime Minister.

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  • Angela Rayner: Stated on X that the Prime Minister has her "full support" and urged colleagues to unite.

  • Douglas Alexander: Scotland Secretary, expressed support, acknowledging that "lessons have to be learned" but asserting confidence in the Prime Minister's ability to govern.

  • Lisa Nandy: Culture Secretary, echoed the sentiment of support, emphasizing the mandate received 18 months prior to "fundamentally change this country."

  • Pat McFadden: Work and Pensions Secretary, indicated that the Prime Minister deserved support from backbenchers.

This indicates a clear division within the party, with a significant bloc rallying behind the Prime Minister, while others, like Sarwar, express deep reservations.

Official Stance and Internal Dynamics

Downing Street has maintained a resolute position amidst the internal pressure.

  • No Resignation: Reports indicate that the Prime Minister is not resigning and intends to "concentrate on the job in hand."

  • Internal Divisions: The calls for resignation prior to Sarwar's intervention had reportedly come from "MPs on the left of the party." Sarwar's position, however, seems to carry more weight as the leader of a devolved party branch.

  • Leadership Election Context: Sarwar's comments about the Prime Minister's tenure suggest a critical view of his performance since being elected, with one report noting Sarwar's statement that the Prime Minister "was elected with a huge majority and needs to be given the time to deliver." This highlights a tension between the need for stability and the judgment that current leadership is failing.

Conclusion: A Divided Party Facing External Scrutiny

The recent calls for the Prime Minister's resignation by Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, have amplified existing pressures stemming from key staff departures and controversial appointments. While Sarwar's public stance represents a significant challenge to the Prime Minister's authority, it is met with firm public backing from other senior Labour figures, including Angela Rayner and several Cabinet ministers. The Prime Minister's office has indicated an intent to continue governing, suggesting a willingness to weather the internal dissent. The forthcoming Parliamentary Labour Party meeting will likely serve as a critical barometer of the extent of this internal division and the Prime Minister's ability to command unified support as he navigates these challenging circumstances.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Scottish Labour leader asking the Prime Minister to resign?
He is asking because two important staff members recently left their jobs, and there are questions about a new job for Lord Mandelson.
Q: Who is Anas Sarwar?
Anas Sarwar is the leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
Q: Who are the staff members who left?
Morgan McSweeney, the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, and Tim Allan, Head of Communications, have both resigned.
Q: What is the Prime Minister's response?
The Prime Minister's office has said he is not resigning and will keep working.
Q: Do other Labour leaders support Sarwar's call?
Some Labour leaders, like Angela Rayner, have said they support the Prime Minister.