Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Scottish Labour to name new leader September 19

8/13/2026

46 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Scottish Labour will announce its new leader on 19 September, following Anas Sarwar’s resignation.
Nominations closed 17 August; voting runs 28 August-17 September.
MSP Michael Marra warned the party must change its culture and renew its moral purpose to avoid defeat.
MSP Monica Lennon described the party’s situation as its “worst ever crisis” and urged a bold, empathetic leader.
MSP Joe Fagan said Scottish Labour must stand with working people.

History

Historical Context

The 1997 general election saw Tony Blair’s New Labour win 418 seats, ending 18 years of Conservative rule and ushering devolution with a Scottish Parliament in 1999. Blair’s removal of Clause IV and centrist “Third Way” reshaped Labour’s base, a legacy now echoed in Scottish Labour’s current leadership turmoil after Anas Sarwar’s resignation.

1 of 2

Story summary

Scottish Labour will announce its new leader on 19 September, following Anas Sarwar’s resignation.
Nominations closed 17 August; voting runs 28 August-17 September.
MSP Michael Marra warned the party must change its culture and renew its moral purpose to avoid defeat.
MSP Monica Lennon described the party’s situation as its “worst ever crisis” and urged a bold, empathetic leader.
MSP Joe Fagan said Scottish Labour must stand with working people.

1 / 2