Scottish Labour Leader Asks Prime Minister Starmer to Quit

The leader of Scottish Labour, Anas Sarwar, has asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down. This is due to recent problems and worries about the party's success in elections. However, many other Labour leaders in the cabinet have said they still support Starmer.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

A significant political rift has emerged within the Labour Party following Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, publicly calling for Prime Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down. This demand places considerable pressure on Starmer's leadership, occurring amidst ongoing scrutiny related to the Peter Mandelson scandal and the recent resignation of his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. While Sarwar's intervention represents the most senior challenge to Starmer from within the party, several cabinet ministers have publicly affirmed their support for the Prime Minister.

Cabinet ministers rally behind Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls for him to resign – UK politics live - 1

Background: Unraveling Authority Amidst Scandals

The current political turbulence centers on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's premiership and has been amplified by recent events.

Cabinet ministers rally behind Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls for him to resign – UK politics live - 2

  • Peter Mandelson Scandal: Revelations concerning the relationship between Peter Mandelson, whom Starmer appointed as ambassador to the U.S., and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have intensified scrutiny on Starmer. This scandal has cast a shadow over the government's integrity.

  • Chief of Staff Resignation: Morgan McSweeney, Starmer's chief of staff and a close aide, resigned his post on Sunday. This departure, occurring in the wake of the Mandelson scandal, is seen as a significant blow to Starmer's authority and operational capacity.

  • Scottish Labour's Electoral Concerns: Sources suggest Anas Sarwar's call for resignation is partly driven by concerns that Starmer's continued leadership is harming Scottish Labour's prospects in the upcoming May Scottish Parliament elections. Polling data reportedly indicates that Starmer's premiership is detrimental to the party's electoral chances in Scotland.

The Intervention: Sarwar's Call for Starmer's Departure

Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour, has made a decisive move by publicly demanding that Keir Starmer resign from his position as Prime Minister. This makes Sarwar the most senior figure in the Labour Party to issue such a call, creating a palpable schism.

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Cabinet ministers rally behind Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls for him to resign – UK politics live - 3

  • Sarwar stated that his primary loyalty lies with Scotland.

  • He expressed that there have been "too many mistakes" under Starmer's leadership, suggesting a pattern of errors that have weakened the party.

  • He emphasized that the "leadership in Downing Street has to change" and that leaders should prioritize the national interest over personal concerns.

  • Sarwar indicated he is not endorsing any specific replacement for Starmer.

The Defense: Cabinet Ministers Rally Behind Starmer

In response to Sarwar's challenge, numerous cabinet ministers have publicly declared their unwavering support for Keir Starmer. This concerted effort aims to shore up Starmer's position and present a united front against the growing pressure.

Cabinet ministers rally behind Starmer after Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar calls for him to resign – UK politics live - 4

  • Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary, stressed the importance of Starmer's leadership on the global stage, particularly with the upcoming Munich Security Conference. She argued that this is "not the time for the government to turn inwards."

  • Ed Miliband, Energy Secretary, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the focus must remain on "delivering the change we promised the country" and that the government should not be distracted.

  • Douglas Alexander, Scotland Secretary, stated that the Prime Minister "has recognised that lessons have to be learned" and has his support, acknowledging a need to alter governmental practices.

  • Lisa Nandy, Culture Secretary, also backed Starmer through a statement on X.

  • Rachel Reeves, Chancellor, and David Lammy, Deputy Prime Minister, have also publicly supported Starmer, joining a cohort of ministers who have spoken out in his defense.

  • At least eight cabinet members have reportedly offered public backing.

Underlying Tensions: Past Mistakes and Future Prospects

The calls for Starmer's resignation are exacerbated by a perceived history of missteps and concerns about future electoral success.

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  • Repeated Errors: Sarwar's faction is reportedly "furious" about what they view as Starmer's consistent mistakes, which they believe have significantly damaged the Labour Party's standing, particularly in Scotland.

  • Electoral Strategy: The Scottish Labour leadership appears convinced that Starmer's continued tenure will critically undermine their chances in the upcoming Scottish parliamentary elections in May.

  • Shifting Public Perception: There is an apparent sentiment that Starmer's leadership has not lived up to initial promises of being different, and that too many detrimental events have occurred.

Official Stance: Downing Street's Reassurance

Despite the internal dissent and external pressure, Downing Street has maintained that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will not resign.

  • A spokesperson for the Prime Minister insisted that Starmer had the "unanimous support of the Cabinet" prior to Sarwar's intervention.

  • Downing Street has publicly denied reports that Starmer was wavering or remorseful about his political future.

  • The Prime Minister is expected to address the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) to reiterate his position and strategy.

Conclusion: A Party Divided Amidst External Pressure

The public call for Keir Starmer's resignation by Anas Sarwar has precipitated a clear division within the Labour Party. While Sarwar and his supporters cite a series of perceived mistakes and electoral risks, particularly in Scotland, as justification for their stance, a significant portion of Starmer's cabinet has moved swiftly to publicly defend his leadership. The government maintains that Starmer's position is secure, with his focus shifting to addressing both domestic policy and international engagements, such as the upcoming Munich Security Conference. The resignation of Morgan McSweeney and the lingering impact of the Peter Mandelson scandal provide a turbulent backdrop to these internal party struggles. The coming days are likely to reveal the extent to which this rift impacts Labour's unity and public perception as they navigate these complex challenges.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Anas Sarwar asking Keir Starmer to resign?
Sarwar says there have been too many mistakes and he is worried about the party's chances in upcoming elections in Scotland.
Q: Who supports Keir Starmer?
Many cabinet ministers, including the Foreign Secretary and Energy Secretary, have publicly said they support Starmer.
Q: What scandals are mentioned?
The article mentions issues related to Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, and the resignation of Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney.
Q: What does Downing Street say?
Downing Street, the Prime Minister's office, says Keir Starmer has the full support of his cabinet and will not resign.