In a dramatic escalation of internal Labour Party tensions, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign, dealing a significant blow to the UK leader's authority just months into his term. Speaking at a packed conference in Glasgow, Sarwar accused Starmer of failing to deliver on key promises to Scotland, particularly on devolution and economic recovery, labeling his leadership as "incompetent and out of touch." The intervention marks a rare public rift within Labour ranks, as Sarwar positioned himself as a defender of Scottish interests against Westminster's perceived neglect.
Sarwar's remarks come amid mounting pressure on Starmer's government, which has grappled with sluggish economic growth, persistent inflation, and criticism over its handling of post-Brexit trade arrangements affecting Scotland's fishing and whisky industries. Polls in Scotland show Labour's support eroding, with the Scottish National Party (SNP) regaining ground despite its own leadership turmoil. Sarwar, who led Scottish Labour to a strong performance in the 2024 general election, argued that Starmer's "centralized control freakery" has alienated voters north of the border, undermining the party's electoral gains.
The Prime Minister's office swiftly dismissed the call as "divisive and misguided," with a spokesperson emphasizing Starmer's commitment to uniting the UK and delivering a "fair deal for Scotland." However, whispers of discontent have grown louder within Labour's Scottish branch, fueled by disagreements over fiscal policy and the pace of green energy investments. Insiders reveal that Sarwar had raised these concerns privately in recent weeks, but the public demand for resignation signals a breakdown in dialogue.
Political analysts view this as a pivotal moment for Starmer, whose authority was already tested by backbench rebellions on welfare reforms and foreign policy stances toward the Middle East. "Sarwar's intervention exposes the fragility of Labour's devolved structure," said Professor John Curtice of the University of Strathclyde. "If Starmer cannot pacify Scottish Labour, it risks fracturing the party's hold on power ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections."
Reactions poured in from across the political spectrum, with SNP leader Kate Forbes hailing Sarwar's "honesty" while urging voters to back independence as the true solution. Conservative figures, sensing opportunity, called for a no-confidence vote, though Labour's parliamentary majority makes this unlikely. As Starmer prepares for Prime Minister's Questions, the episode underscores deepening divides within his party, raising questions about his long-term viability at the helm.
