Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is expected to step down from his position and move to Westminster to become a minister in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government, according to reports. Sarwar, who called for Sir Keir Starmer to resign as prime minister in February, will be elevated to the House of Lords to take up a ministerial post at the revamped Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, headed by Jonathan Reynolds, the Scottish Sun reported.
Sarwar's shift from Holyrood to Westminster
Sarwar has led Scottish Labour since 2021 and previously stated his intention to serve the full five-year Holyrood term as party leader. After Sir Keir's resignation in June, he said: 'That is my intention. I'm hungry for the fight ahead and I want to play my full part in making sure this country never ends up in the hands of Nigel Farage and Reform.' However, reports now indicate he will quit his post to take up a ministerial role under Burnham, who entered No 10 this week. Sarwar hailed Burnham for his 'bold Labour vision' as he took office.
SNP criticises appointment
The Scottish National Party criticised the move, with deputy leader Keith Brown MSP saying: 'This is a terrible look for Andy Burnham who waxed lyrical about a new politics and devolving power – he's just pulled the most undemocratic trick in the Westminster book. Anas Sarwar led Scottish Labour to their worst ever election defeat, but as is always the case with the Labour Party, there's always a cushty number in the House of Lords.'
Burnham's cabinet appointments
Former Greater Manchester mayor Burnham appointed his Cabinet on Monday after taking office, but a raft of ministerial appointments are still to come. Among other developments, Burnham's first conversation with US President Donald Trump was described as 'extremely warm' by Downing Street. Trump, a vocal supporter of fossil fuels, posted on Truth Social that further drilling in the North Sea would 'make the United Kingdom, from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World'. The two discussed North Sea oil, trade, and demining of the Strait of Hormuz.
