Scottish Labour MPs are calling on Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie to remain in their leadership roles until the next UK general election, emphasizing the need for stability amid national uncertainties.
Calls for Leadership Continuity
Douglas McAllister, MP for West Dunbartonshire, argues that Sarwar and Baillie staying in place offers Scottish MPs the strongest opportunity to hold their seats. He highlights the potential distractions from speculation over UK Labour leadership, stating: “All we’re going to be talking about, it may be immediately, or it may be over the next year, is who’s leading the Labour Party across the UK.”
McAllister warns against simultaneous leadership contests in Scotland and Westminster, adding: “We really don’t need the distraction of having that upheaval in Scotland as well. What I don’t want is a leadership and a deputy leadership contest and all sorts of factions and sides.”
He praises Sarwar as “an extremely talented campaigner, an extremely talented leader of Scottish Labour, probably the best in his generation,” and notes Baillie’s experience. McAllister clarifies they need not lead into the Scottish Parliament election in five years but are vital for the upcoming Westminster vote.
Support from Key Figures
Richard Baker, chair of the Scottish Parliamentary Labour Party and MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, offers full backing: “[Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie] have my support.” He points to tough UK-wide results and credits Sarwar with securing 37 MPs, winning leader debates, though the Holyrood outcome fell short.
Graeme Downie, MP for Dunfermline and Dollar, concurs: “They should stay.”
One MP agrees they should remain “for the moment” despite acknowledging responsibility for the poor performance, cautioning: “Obviously [they can’t continue] in the long term, it was a disastrous result. But for the moment we need them to stay.”
Dissent and Broader Accountability
Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, stands alone so far in calling for both Sarwar and Baillie to step down.
Another MP extends blame to Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, who co-managed the campaign with Baillie, suggesting he shares responsibility for the shortcomings.
Sarwar’s Defiant Stance
Anas Sarwar vows to “absolutely” continue as Scottish Labour leader following the party’s worst-ever Holyrood performance. Labour secured just 17 MSPs, tying for second with Reform UK on 19.2% of the constituency vote and 16% of the list vote—despite a significant drop in SNP support. Sarwar sidestepped questions on leading into the next general election.
