Overview
- Anas Sarwar resigned as Scottish Labour leader last week and will join the House of Lords to take a ministerial role in Andy Burnham’s UK government.
- GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour publicly attacked Sarwar’s decision as 'self‑serving' and said his reputation was 'in bits', noting GMB provides funding to Labour.
- Union leaders have called for the leadership vote to be paused for a formal review of the party’s May Holyrood campaign before candidates are chosen.
- Several figures have declared or signalled leadership bids, with MSPs Michael Marra, Joe Fagan and Monica Lennon announcing runs and Katy Clark reported to be considering a challenge.
- The crisis follows Scottish Labour’s poor Holyrood showing, leaving about 17 MSPs and roughly one in ten voter backing, a pattern of frequent leadership change that critics say risks letting constitutional rows crowd out practical plans on jobs, pay and public services.