By Peter Omopo
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said he holds “huge respect” for Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, a day after Sarwar publicly called on him to step down, amid growing political pressure ahead of Scotland’s Holyrood elections.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Starmer said he was giving his “100 per cent” backing to Sarwar, whom he described as a potential “incredible” first minister for Scotland. He insisted the Labour Party remained united despite recent disagreements and internal tensions.
Sarwar had on Monday declared that the situation at Downing Street was “not good enough,” urging Starmer to quit in a move widely seen as an attempt to revive Labour’s fortunes in Scotland ahead of the May elections. Recent opinion polls have placed Scottish Labour behind the SNP and Reform UK, prompting concern within the party.
Despite Sarwar’s remarks, senior Labour figures have rallied behind the prime minister. At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Starmer was quoted by Downing Street as saying the entire Labour Party wanted Sarwar to become Scotland’s first minister and would work collectively to achieve a Labour government north of the border.
Starmer later acknowledged that the party needed to change its approach but stressed the importance of focusing on delivering for voters rather than internal disputes. Asked whether he intended to lead Labour into the next general election, he replied in the affirmative, noting he had a five-year mandate.
Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander also sought to downplay the rift, describing the episode as an “honest and genuine disagreement.” He told BBC Radio Scotland that both Starmer and Sarwar were committed to working together and that the prime minister remained determined to see Sarwar lead Scotland.
Alexander admitted Labour was facing a challenging electoral landscape in Scotland but said the party had pulled together following the dispute. He added that while mistakes had been made by the UK government, the focus was now on getting back to work.
Sarwar, who has not spoken to the media since his comments, defended his stance as difficult but necessary, saying his first loyalty was to Scotland. He criticised the UK government’s handling of recent controversies, arguing that its achievements had been overshadowed by successive scandals.
Meanwhile, Labour leaders across the UK have largely backed Starmer. Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy leader Angela Rayner all voiced support for the prime minister, stressing the need for stability.
However, some Labour MPs have echoed Sarwar’s concerns, questioning Starmer’s leadership and calling for change. With the Scottish elections looming, the disagreement has highlighted growing tensions within the party as it seeks to regain momentum and challenge the SNP’s dominance in Scotland.
