Pressure Mounts on UK Prime Minister Starmer as Scottish Labour Leader Urges Him to Quit
Political turmoil deepens as internal party divisions grow and Westminster scandals cast a shadow over Starmer’s leadership
The political heat is rising in Westminster. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing perhaps the most serious challenge to his leadership since taking office, following a bold call from Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar for him to resign. This public break is sending shockwaves through the Labour Party, raising questions about the stability of Starmer’s government and Labour’s prospects ahead of the crucial Scottish Parliament elections in May.
A Stunning Break From Party Unity
In a press conference in Glasgow on February 9, Sarwar — who has long been a key ally of Starmer — did something few expected: he publicly called for the Prime Minister to step down. Sarwar said that Starmer’s leadership had become “a distraction” and that it was time for change to protect both Scotland’s interests and Labour’s future.
“It causes personal pain to make this call, but my first loyalty must be to Scotland,” Sarwar said. His concern is that ongoing turmoil in Westminster is overshadowing Labour’s positive work, making it harder for the party to communicate its message effectively.
The intervention comes just months before Scottish voters head to the polls, with Labour hoping to challenge the dominance of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Sarwar’s move signals that, at least in his view, Starmer’s leadership is now a liability rather than an asset.
The Epstein–Mandelson Controversy
The spark for this crisis is the fallout from the controversial appointment of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador to Washington. Questions have emerged about Mandelson’s historical ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and critics argue that the decision reflects poor judgment at the very top of government.
The controversy has already led to the resignations of two senior aides: Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney and Director of Communications Tim Allan. Their departures underscore the seriousness of the political storm enveloping Downing Street and have intensified scrutiny of Starmer’s decision-making.
For many within and outside Labour, the Mandelson affair is more than just a diplomatic misstep — it’s emblematic of a leadership struggling to balance political ambition with accountability.
Starmer’s Response: Standing Firm
Despite the growing pressure, Starmer is refusing to step aside. He has told colleagues he is “not prepared to walk away”, emphasizing his commitment to continue delivering his government’s agenda. Starmer also framed his leadership as a moral and political responsibility, insisting that politics “can be a force for good” when focused on meaningful reform.
Downing Street officials echoed this stance, stressing that Starmer intends to remain in office and that the party must focus on its long-term priorities, rather than short-term controversies.
Labour Divided: Supporters and Critics
Sarwar’s call has opened a rift within Labour. Some senior figures, including Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and Chancellor Rachel Reeves, have publicly reaffirmed their support for Starmer, urging unity and continuity. Angela Rayner, the party’s former deputy leader, has also voiced backing, calling for colleagues to rally around Starmer in these difficult times.
Yet the dissent has energized Starmer’s critics. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described his position as “untenable” and suggested that new leadership or even a general election might be necessary. Smaller nationalist and regional parties have echoed Sarwar’s concerns, portraying Starmer’s leadership as weakened and morally compromised.
Implications for Labour and the UK
This internal turmoil comes at a critical moment for Labour. With the Scottish Parliament elections just months away, the party must project stability if it hopes to challenge the SNP’s dominance. The Westminster crisis complicates this task, and some analysts see Sarwar’s intervention as symptomatic of wider dissatisfaction within the party about Starmer’s direction, judgment, and ability to communicate Labour’s achievements.
Beyond Scotland, the controversy has rippled into public opinion and financial markets. Investors are wary of political uncertainty, even as some sectors saw gains amid the shifting political landscape. Meanwhile, voters appear split — some frustrated by the scandal and calls for resignation, others supporting Starmer’s decision to stay the course.
What Happens Next?
As the Labour Party navigates this fracture, all eyes are on parliamentary sessions and internal party strategy. Leadership challenges, cabinet reshuffles, or policy recalibrations are all possible if criticism grows. For now, Starmer seems determined to weather the storm, emphasizing his commitment to stability, reform, and his vision for the country.
Whether he can restore confidence within Labour — and among voters — remains the central political question in early 2026. The next few months will be crucial, not just for Starmer, but for the future of the Labour Party and the broader UK political landscape.
Conclusion
The call for Sir Keir Starmer to resign by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar marks a dramatic moment in UK politics. It highlights the fragility of political alliances, the consequences of controversial appointments, and the challenges of maintaining unity within a major party. As the dust settles, Labour faces a delicate balancing act: holding the party together while preparing for elections that could reshape the political map in Scotland and beyond.
For political observers and voters alike, the message is clear: Starmer’s leadership is under the microscope, and the next steps he takes could define not only his tenure but the trajectory of the Labour Party for years to come.
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