Scottish Labour’s rivals criticize Anas Sarwar for resigning to join Burnham government
10 reported1 unconfirmed
Scottish Labour's political rivals have criticized Anas Sarwar's decision to resign as party leader to join Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government, with some calling him a "chancer" and accusing him of lying to voters. According to the source, Burnham plans to make Sarwar a peer and give him a ministerial post at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. The Scottish Green party co-leader Gillian Mackay said Sarwar had gone from promising to scrap the House of Lords to taking a seat in it, calling the move "hypocrisy." The SNP called for Sarwar to donate his new salary to charity, accusing him of lying about his intentions after previously saying he would never enter the Lords. Figures within Sarwar's own party were reportedly surprised by the move, which occurred less than three months after his election campaign and shortly after Scottish Labour suffered their worst results in Holyrood history. Sarwar's seat as a member of the Scottish parliament will be relinquished and handed to Monica Lennon, who is also seen as a credible contender for party leadership.
What’s reported
Anas Sarwar resigned as Scottish Labour leader to join Andy Burnham's government.
Burnham plans to make Sarwar a peer and give him a ministerial post at the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay called Sarwar a "chancer" and accused him of hypocrisy.
The SNP called for Sarwar to donate his new salary to charity and accused him of lying to voters.
Sarwar previously said he would never enter the Lords, calling it "unacceptable" in 2022.
The move occurred less than three months after his election campaign and shortly after Scottish Labour's worst Holyrood results.
Figures within Sarwar's own party were reportedly surprised by the decision.
Sarwar's seat will be relinquished and handed to Monica Lennon, who is seen as a credible leadership contender.
Michael Marra, MSP for North East Scotland, is also being put forward as a potential candidate.
There are only 17 Labour MSPs to choose from for the leadership.
Open questions
The source does not specify when Sarwar's resignation or appointment will take effect.
Key figures
Anas Sarwar: Former Scottish Labour leader
Andy Burnham: Prime Minister
Gillian Mackay: Scottish Green party co-leader
George Adam: SNP MSP
Monica Lennon: Next on the list for Sarwar's seat, potential leadership contender
Michael Marra: MSP for North East Scotland, potential leadership candidate
Sources: The Guardian
