Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, has called for the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, marking the most senior intervention from within the party demanding his departure. This development unfolds as Sir Keir's two top aides have resigned within a 24-hour period. The calls for a change in leadership arise from a scandal surrounding the appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US, an appointment made despite known links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Political Turmoil Follows Aide Resignations
The political landscape is experiencing a period of heightened tension following the departures of key figures from Sir Keir Starmer's inner circle.
Morgan McSweeney, Sir Keir's chief of staff, resigned on Sunday. His role in the Lord Mandelson appointment is cited as the reason for his departure.
Tim Allan, the head of communications, also left his position on Monday.
Anas Sarwar made his public call for Sir Keir's resignation during a press conference in Glasgow. He stated that "the distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change."
Sir Keir Starmer, however, has indicated he intends to remain in his post and is "concentrating on the job in hand."
Mandelson Appointment Fuels Leadership Crisis
The controversy over Lord Peter Mandelson's potential appointment as US ambassador has become a focal point for dissent within the Labour party.
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Reports indicate Lord Mandelson's links to Jeffrey Epstein were known at the time of the proposed appointment.
Anas Sarwar has directly linked the need for leadership change to this scandal, suggesting responsibility must be taken. He also stated his actions were "what was right for Scotland," possibly alluding to the upcoming Holyrood elections in May.
Differing Responses to the Crisis
While Anas Sarwar has openly called for Sir Keir Starmer to step down, other prominent Labour figures have publicly backed the Prime Minister.
David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, has voiced his support for Sir Keir, emphasizing the mandate received 18 months ago and the need to focus on the party's manifesto.
Rachel Reeves, Chancellor, has also affirmed her backing for Sir Keir, stating that under his leadership, the country is "turning around."
Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary, has similarly expressed support for the Prime Minister.
Richard Hermer, Attorney General and a close associate of Sir Keir, has urged "full-throated support" for the Prime Minister.
Expert Analysis
"The situation presents a clear challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's authority. The resignation of senior aides and a call for his departure from a prominent figure like Anas Sarwar, especially with regional elections on the horizon, creates a significant distraction. How the Prime Minister navigates this will be crucial."
"The Mandelson affair has provided a tangible issue around which disquiet can coalesce. While some are rallying behind Starmer, the timing and the source of the criticism from Sarwar cannot be discounted, particularly given the electoral pressures in Scotland."
Conclusion
The Labour party is currently navigating a period of internal strife, significantly amplified by the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer's chief of staff and head of communications, coupled with the controversy surrounding Lord Mandelson's proposed ambassadorial role. Anas Sarwar's public call for Sir Keir's resignation represents a significant challenge to the Prime Minister's position. While several cabinet ministers have publicly reaffirmed their support for Sir Keir, the situation highlights existing tensions and the immediate impact of the Mandelson scandal on the party's stability, especially with significant elections approaching. The Prime Minister's stated intention to continue his work suggests an effort to weather the current storm.
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news.sky.com: This source provides reporting on the call for Sir Keir Starmer's resignation by Anas Sarwar, linking it to the resignations of Morgan McSweeney and Tim Allan and the Lord Mandelson appointment. (https://news.sky.com/story/scottish-labour-leader-calls-for-starmer-to-stand-down-13505282)
bbc.com: This article focuses on Anas Sarwar's statement that "the distraction needs to end" and contrasts it with cabinet members' public support for Sir Keir Starmer, referencing the mandate from 18 months ago. (https://www.bbc.com/news/live/c74wd01egvyt)
independent.co.uk: This report details Anas Sarwar's press conference where he called for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, highlighting the Mandelson scandal and the resignations of McSweeney and Allan. (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/anas-sarwar-keir-starmer-scottish-labour-prime-minister-lord-b2916752.html)
standard.co.uk: This source frames Anas Sarwar's call as a "bombshell blow" and notes other cabinet ministers, such as Rachel Reeves and Yvette Cooper, backing Sir Keir Starmer. (https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-latest-labour-mps-mandelson-tim-allan-quits-b1270221.html)
holyrood.com: This article reports on Anas Sarwar's call for Sir Keir Starmer to step down amid the Mandelson appointment row, stating Sarwar's focus on doing "what was right for Scotland." (https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,anas-sarwar-calls-for-keir-starmer-to-step-down)
stv.tv: This report details Anas Sarwar's call for the Prime Minister to resign, directly linking it to the Mandelson scandal and the departures of McSweeney and Allan, while noting Starmer's intent to continue. (https://news.stv.tv/politics/keir-starmer-must-resign-over-mandelson-epstein-scandal-says-scottish-labour-leader)
lbc.co.uk: This article covers Anas Sarwar's insistence that "the leadership in Downing St needs to change," and includes quotes from Rachel Reeves and Richard Hermer backing Sir Keir Starmer, while mentioning the Mandelson revelations as a cause for calls for resignation. (https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/scottish-labour-leader-anas-sarwar-starmer-step-down-5HjdS4W2/)
