In a major blow to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly called for Starmer to step down, becoming the most senior Labour figure to do so.
Speaking at an arranged press conference in Glasgow on Monday afternoon (9 February), Sarwar said the scandals surrounding Starmer were a distraction and that the leadership in Downing Street has to change.
He described Starmer as a ‘decent man’ but argued that ‘there have been too many mistakes’ and that the ongoing crisis was undermining Labour’s prospects ahead of the crucial Holyrood elections in May.
Sarwar emphasised his primary loyalty to Scotland, stating: “I have to do what’s right for my country, Scotland,” and that the situation in No. 10 was “not good enough” to deliver the change Scots need after years of SNP governance.
Intense pressure
The call comes amid intense pressure on Starmer following the scandal over his 2024 appointment of Peter Mandelson as UK ambassador to the United States. Revelations from newly released Epstein-related documents and emails highlighted Mandelson’s ongoing ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex offences involving minors.
Mandelson was sacked in September 2025 after the extent of the relationship became clear, later resigning from the Labour Party and House of Lords. Starmer has apologised for ‘believing Mandelson’s lies’ and promised greater transparency on the vetting process.
The fallout escalated rapidly in recent days: Starmer’s chief of staff Morgan McSweeney resigned on Sunday, taking responsibility for advising on the Mandelson appointment. On Monday, Director of Communications Tim Allan also quit, further fuelling perceptions of chaos at the top.
A game-changing blow?
Sarwar’s intervention marks a significant escalation, with some Labour MPs and observers viewing it as potentially game-changing for the party’s internal dynamics.
However, more than half of Starmer’s cabinet has rallied in support, with figures like Deputy PM David Lammy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper issuing statements backing the PM and highlighting policy delivery on issues like NHS waiting lists and economic stability.
Downing Street has firmly rejected resignation calls, with a spokesman insisting: “He has a clear five-year mandate from the British people to deliver change, and that is what he will do.”
Opposition parties seized on the division: Conservatives accused Starmer of losing control, while the SNP criticised Sarwar’s timing and past support for the PM.
As Starmer prepares to address Labour MPs later today, the episode underscores the fragility of his position just 18 months into government, with the Mandelson scandal exposing deep questions about judgment, vetting, and party unity.
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