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Scottish Labour Leader Resigns, Accepts Peerage, Joins Burnham Government

7/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will resign, accept a peerage and join Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s UK Government, forcing him to leave the Scottish Parliament.
Deputy leader Jackie Baillie will become acting Scottish Labour leader, with potential permanent leaders including Glasgow MSPs Michael Marra, Paul Sweeney and former rival Monica Lennon.
SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said the appointment makes the government look undemocratic.

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Story summary

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will resign, accept a peerage and join Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s UK Government, forcing him to leave the Scottish Parliament.
Deputy leader Jackie Baillie will become acting Scottish Labour leader, with potential permanent leaders including Glasgow MSPs Michael Marra, Paul Sweeney and former rival Monica Lennon.
SNP Depute Leader Keith Brown said the appointment makes the government look undemocratic.