Scottish Labour’s rivals decry ‘chancer’ Anas Sarwar for resigning to join Andy Burnham’s government

Anas Sarwar's decision to resign as leader of Scottish Labour and accept a peerage to join the UK government has ignited fierce criticism from political rivals. The Scottish Green party co-leader, Gillian Mackay, labeled Sarwar a "chancer," highlighting his apparent reversal on opposing the House of Lords. "He has gone from promising to scrap the House of Lords to taking a seat in it," Mackay stated, calling the hypocrisy "breathtaking."

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Anas Sarwar is a chancer. He has gone from promising to scrap the House of Lords to taking a seat in it.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) echoed these sentiments, demanding Sarwar donate his "bumper salary" and accusing him of deceiving voters. SNP MSP George Adam criticized Sarwar's past statements against the Lords, asserting that his move to accept a peerage would not be forgotten. The SNP has characterized his actions as "unacceptable" given his prior stance.

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He has spent years attacking the very institution he is now preparing to join. The hypocrisy is breathtaking.

Despite the public backlash, sources close to Sarwar suggest the move was not meticulously planned. Many within Scottish Labour reportedly expressed surprise at his resignation, with some staff and politicians feeling blindsided. This sudden departure leaves the party in a difficult position, needing to select a new leader and restructure its approach less than three months after a disappointing election performance.

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The Labour party and Anas Sarwar repeatedly denied and lied to the people of Scotland about Anas Sarwar’s intentions – the fact he will now be prancing about in ermine robes won’t be forgotten.

The upcoming leadership contest within Scottish Labour will be limited, with only 17 Labour MSPs eligible to stand. Potential candidates include Monica Lennon, who is set to inherit Sarwar's seat, and Michael Marra. A source close to Sarwar indicated that the next leader must balance a distinct Scottish offer with the party's UK-wide identity, a challenge that has historically created internal conflict.

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If he was going to resign, it would have been clearer to have stated that in May and given everyone the chance to have a proper assessment and restructure things however needed. Doing it this way means everyone is thrown into the lurch.