In a significant political upheaval, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has publicly called for Keir Starmer to resign as Prime Minister, making him the highest-ranking Labour official to do so amid ongoing turmoil surrounding the Peter Mandelson scandal. Sarwar emphasized the need for change in Downing Street, stating that the current leadership has failed to meet the expectations that were set when the government took office. He acknowledged that while there have been some positive achievements, they are overshadowed by a series of missteps and a growing perception of disarray within the party.

This call for resignation comes on the heels of Starmer’s difficulties, which were exacerbated by the recent resignations of his chief-of-staff and director of communications. The rapid turnover of senior staff has raised concerns about the stability and effectiveness of Starmer's leadership. As two significant aides departed in quick succession, questions have been raised regarding the internal coherence of the Labour Party and its ability to present a united front to the public at a time when the government has faced scrutiny over its handling of key issues.

In response to Sarwar's call, several Cabinet ministers have stepped forward to defend Starmer, asserting that he continues to have their full support. They argue that while there are challenges to face, leadership should not be dictated by internal dissent but rather guided by collective responsibility and the need to advance the party's agenda. The juxtaposition of Sarwar's critical stance and the Cabinet's show of solidarity highlights the ongoing tensions within Labour as it navigates its identity and direction ahead of future elections.