Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, made headlines this week by publicly calling for the resignation of Keir Starmer, sparking significant concern among Labour members in the Scottish parliament. His decision is being defended by some allies who suggest that a leadership challenge against Starmer could still be on the horizon, despite many at Westminster indicating that no such movement is currently underway. Sarwar's call has been seen as a risky maneuver that could backfire both at the national level and within Scotland.

The timing of Sarwar's remarks has raised eyebrows, particularly given the swift action taken by Prime Minister's office to shore up Starmer's position. Cabinet ministers were reportedly urged to publicly express their support for Starmer soon after Sarwar’s announcement, underscoring a united front in Westminster aimed at diminishing any potential threats to the leader's position. This quick response highlights the precarious situation Sarwar has put himself and the Scottish Labour party in, as internal divisions are laid bare at a time when unity is essential.

Polls indicate that Scottish Labour is struggling, with many voters perceiving Sarwar’s intervention as isolating him, leading to deeper questions about his strategic judgement and leadership. Observers suggest that if Sarwar’s high-risk strategy does not yield the desired outcomes, it could significantly undermine the party’s credibility and electoral prospects in Scotland as they navigate the complexities of political leadership dynamics.