UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar says he will lead the 2026 campaign, urging the party to highlight its achievements as PM Keir Starmer plays a limited role.
As reported by The Independent, Anas Sarwar urged Labour to highlight its successes, noting Keir Starmer would play a limited role in next year’s Scottish election campaign.
How did Anas Sarwar describe Sir Keir Starmer’s involvement in next year’s elections?
Anas Sarwar said Sir Keir would “play a part” in the campaign but “I’ll be at the forefront”.
Ipsos Scotland shows Sir Keir Starmer less popular than US President Donald Trump, raising hurdles for Anas Sarwar ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections.
When questioned if that was a problem, he told a Politico fringe event at the Labour Party conference, “Keir Starmer is not standing to be first minister, I am.”
In Liverpool, he told activists the 2026 election won’t alter the UK government, framing it as a choice between Scottish Labour and the SNP, with Reform making “noise.”
When questioned about Mr Starmer’s presence in Scotland before May’s vote, he responded,
“Keir Starmer has got an important job to do in No 10, he’s got an important job to do as Prime Minister. Of course he’ll play a part in our campaign, but I will be leading our campaign.”
Mr Sarwar said,
“I’ll be at the forefront of our campaign. I’m the candidate. I’m the person that’s going to be on the ballot paper, I’m the person that aspires to be first minister.”
He slammed Labour for failing to highlight gains on wages and falling mortgage costs.
The Scottish Labour leader said,
“Why aren’t the Labour politicians, whenever they’re on the TV or whenever on the stage, when they’re asked, rightly, about the cost of living crisis, making the case?”
He stated,
“Why aren’t we telling that positive Labour story and making that case?”
Referring to Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s leadership bid, Mr Sarwar urged Labour to utilize all its prominent players.
He said,
“Keir Starmer is a fantastic Prime Minister and Andy Burnham is a fantastic mayor of Greater Manchester. We need all the best people on the pitch making the case for Labour.”
Mr Sarwar indicated Labour plans a minority government in 2026 Holyrood, saying no party will secure full control, and cooperation with MSPs is needed.
Anas Sarwar’s views on Nigel Farage
Anas Sarwar denied any pact with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, saying,
“Nigel Farage thinks I’m the enemy. Nigel Farage thinks that I’m someone that’s not loyal to my country.”
He said,
“I was born in Scotland. My kids are brought up in Scotland. I’m as Scottish as anybody else. I’ll always obviously be more Scottish than Nigel Farage will ever be.”
Mr Sarwar added,
“I’ll tell you what, I am more representative of British values as well, than Nigel Farage will ever be, and that’s why Scotland rejected them.”
Survey about Keir Starmer and Anas Sarwar’s influence in Scotland
A survey shows Scottish voters consider UK Labour’s Keir Starmer a bigger influence on their vote than Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
When questioned about their voting influence, 30% said Keir Starmer, while 13% cited Anas Sarwar. This poll for BIG Partnership shows Westminster politics could shape Labour’s Holyrood campaign strategy.
What did Allan Barr say about Scottish Labour balancing UK ties and local independence?
Allan Barr, chief executive officer, BIG Partnership, stated,
“These figures present something of a dilemma for Scottish Labour. If the party can show a Labour government in Westminster is a positive game-changer for Scotland then that will be helpful. However, it may also have to carve out its own distinct and compelling vision, especially if Labour nationally continues to struggle in the polls.”
He added,
“Whatever politics people have, voters need credible alternatives ahead of the Holyrood election. In Labour’s case, this may prove to be tricky, balancing Westminster’s influence with Scottish Labour’s independence. However, there is an opportunity here for the party to strategically align with UK Labour while asserting autonomy where needed, allowing Sarwar to position himself as a leader that is both connected and independent, and one who will deliver real results in areas where he will say the SNP has struggled.”