Scottish Labour Faces Internal Turmoil Ahead of Holyrood Elections

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly called for the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Labour leader, as the party prepares for the upcoming Holyrood elections in May 2026. This move comes amid growing dissatisfaction with Starmer's leadership and a series of unpopular policies that have negatively impacted Labour's standing in Scotland. Sarwar's call is seen as an attempt to distance Scottish Labour from the perceived failures of the Westminster leadership and to reassert his party's independence as it faces the Scottish National Party (SNP), which has dominated Scottish politics for nearly two decades.

The GuardianScottish Labour mired in sleaze and scandal

The backdrop to Sarwar's rebellion is a significant decline in Labour's polling numbers. Following a promising performance in the July 2024 elections, where Labour secured the most votes and seats in Scotland, the party now risks trailing behind both the SNP and Reform UK. Recent surveys indicate that only about one-third of those who voted Labour in 2024 are likely to do so again, with many disillusioned voters shifting their support to the SNP and Reform UK. Sarwar's actions are interpreted as a desperate attempt to revitalize the party's fortunes by focusing on devolved issues and exploiting the SNP's vulnerabilities, particularly in education and public health.

The Guardian

The internal strife within Scottish Labour is compounded by scandals, including the Peter Mandelson controversy, which has drawn criticism for its implications on party integrity. Sarwar's previous associations with Mandelson have raised questions about his motivations for calling for Starmer's resignation. Critics argue that Sarwar's denunciation of Starmer appears disingenuous, given his prior silence on Mandelson's appointment. Additionally, the party has faced scrutiny over the actions of its members, such as MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy, who faced backlash for her connections to a convicted sex offender. This incident has further tarnished the party's image and raised concerns about leadership accountability.

Scottish Labour mired in sleaze and scandal

The challenges facing Scottish Labour are reflective of broader trends within the UK Labour Party, where similar discontent is emerging in other regions, including Wales. The potential for a disastrous outcome in the May elections could lead to a wave of similar rebellions within the party, threatening Starmer's leadership. As Sarwar navigates this turbulent political landscape, the future of Scottish Labour hangs in the balance, with the possibility of a fifth consecutive SNP government looming.

The Guardian

In response to Sarwar's call for change, Starmer has remained largely silent, which has led to speculation about his political future. Meanwhile, Sarwar has framed his actions as necessary for the survival of Scottish Labour, emphasizing the need to focus on local issues and regain voter trust. The SNP, led by John Swinney, has seized the opportunity to criticize Labour's internal conflicts and has positioned itself as a stable alternative for voters.

The Guardian

While some sources highlight Sarwar's rebellion as a strategic move to save Scottish Labour, others suggest it is a reflection of deeper issues within the party. The extent to which Sarwar's actions will impact Labour's performance in the upcoming elections remains uncertain, with varying opinions on the effectiveness of his strategy.

The Guardian

• “I always said it would take time to turn this ship around.” — Sir Keir Starmer, UK Labour Leader

The Guardian

• “My actions [read: hanging out with a convicted sex offender whilst being the education spokesperson] arise from loyalty and care. I was providing support to a highly vulnerable person.” — Pam Duncan-Glancy, Scottish Labour MSP

Scottish Labour mired in sleaze and scandal