Anas Sarwar Praises Keir Starmer Legacy Despite Calling For Resignation

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, has articulated his "pride" in his collaboration with Sir Keir Starmer, even following Starmer's announcement that he would step down as Prime Minister. Sarwar was notably the first prominent Labour figure to demand Starmer's resignation in February, citing "too many mistakes" by the UK government.

Andy Burnham, a newly elected Member of Parliament, appears to be in a strong position to succeed the Prime Minister after his recent by-election victory in Makerfield.

Responding to Starmer's statement, Sarwar offered praise while acknowledging "missteps" in the former leader's tenure. Sarwar stated, "I will always be proud that together. We got rid of the Tories after 14 years of misrule, that a Labour government helped end austerity, lifted half a million children out of poverty and secured shipbuilding on the Clyde for a generation. That's something that no-one can take away from Keir Starmer, that's a legacy he can be proud of." He added that while there were errors, Starmer consistently acted in what he believed was the country's best interest.

Sarwar urged the Labour Party to "move very quickly to focusing on the issues they were elected to do - and that's delivering for the great people of this country." He declined to endorse any potential leadership candidates, preferring to await their proposals.

Sarwar's earlier call for Starmer's resignation, made ahead of the Holyrood election, was an attempt to distance Scottish Labour from the unpopular Westminster administration. At the time, cabinet ministers rallied around Starmer, and Scottish Labour subsequently performed poorly in the Holyrood election. Sarwar refused to comment on whether an earlier resignation by Starmer would have improved his party's electoral outcome.

Disagreements between Sarwar and Downing Street were frequent following Labour's landslide general election victory, encompassing issues such as winter fuel payments, Starmer's public comments on Israel, and the two-child benefits cap.

Starmer has confirmed he will remain in office until a new Labour leader is chosen, which he expects will occur by September. This appointment could be expedited if a single candidate secures party-wide support, negating the need for a formal contest.

Following Starmer's announcement, Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander endorsed Burnham, describing him as a proven winner and "one of the most experienced political leaders in Britain today." Alexander did not confirm if he had personally requested Starmer's departure.

First Minister John Swinney supported Starmer's decision, stating, "It was past time for him to face reality and the fact he now has allows some hope that things can change. However, rather than simply a change of personnel, what is needed is a fundamental change of direction. Labour's time in power has been characterised by broken promises, poor judgement and, ultimately, failure." Swinney suggested a "fresh start" for Scotland was possible "only with independence."

Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay expressed skepticism that Burnham would perform any better as Prime Minister. She argued, "The problem isn't the person behind the wheel. It is a party that once worked to serve the interests of working people but now serves only the interests of billionaires and their corporate donors."

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay remarked that Starmer would be "remembered as the prime minister of U-turns and broken promises."