Anas Sarwar Denies Plot Against Starmer Amid Labour Party Turmoil
Published 11 February 2026
Highlights
- Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, denies involvement in a plot to oust UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite calling for his resignation.
- Sarwar suspended MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy over her ties with convicted sex offender Sean Morton, sparking her disappointment.
- Former communications chief Matthew Doyle faced scrutiny over his peerage nomination due to his past actions.
- Sarwar insists his call for Starmer's resignation was independent, despite consultations with senior Labour figures.
- Keir Starmer expressed full support for Sarwar, allowing him to campaign in Scotland for the upcoming Holyrood elections.
-
Rewritten Article
Anas Sarwar Denies Plot Against Starmer Amid Labour Party Turmoil
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has firmly denied any involvement in a coordinated effort to remove UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite his recent call for Starmer's resignation. Sarwar's remarks come as he seeks to invigorate his campaign for the upcoming Holyrood elections in May.
Sarwar's Call for Resignation
At a press conference earlier this week, Sarwar urged Starmer to step down, citing the need for leadership change amid ongoing controversies. He emphasized that his decision was made independently, despite having discussions with senior Labour figures such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy leader Angela Rayner. "This was my decision, and my decision alone," Sarwar stated, dismissing any notion of a wider plot.
Controversy Surrounding Duncan-Glancy
In a related development, Sarwar suspended MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy from the Labour Party following revelations about her association with Sean Morton, a convicted sex offender and former Moray councillor. Duncan-Glancy expressed her disappointment, stating that the reasons for her suspension were not fully explained. She defended her actions as stemming from loyalty and care for Morton, whom she described as a vulnerable individual needing support.
Doyle's Peerage Scrutiny
The Labour Party's internal challenges extend to Matthew Doyle, Starmer's former communications chief, who faced scrutiny over his peerage nomination. Doyle's past involvement in campaigning for a friend charged with possessing indecent images of children has raised questions about his suitability for the honor.
Starmer's Support for Sarwar
Despite the tensions, Starmer has expressed unwavering support for Sarwar, granting him the opportunity to campaign in Scotland for the Holyrood elections. Starmer's endorsement underscores the complex dynamics within the Labour Party as it navigates these controversies.
-
Scenario Analysis
The unfolding events within the Labour Party could have significant implications for its leadership and electoral prospects. Sarwar's call for Starmer's resignation, while independent, highlights internal dissatisfaction that may influence future leadership dynamics. The suspension of Duncan-Glancy and scrutiny of Doyle's peerage nomination further complicate the party's public image.
As the Holyrood elections approach, Sarwar's ability to maintain party unity and effectively campaign in Scotland will be crucial. Starmer's support for Sarwar suggests a strategic alliance aimed at consolidating Labour's position in Scotland. However, the controversies surrounding key figures may continue to challenge the party's efforts to present a cohesive front to voters.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has firmly denied any involvement in a coordinated effort to remove UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, despite his recent call for Starmer's resignation. Sarwar's remarks come as he seeks to invigorate his campaign for the upcoming Holyrood elections in May.
Sarwar's Call for Resignation
At a press conference earlier this week, Sarwar urged Starmer to step down, citing the need for leadership change amid ongoing controversies. He emphasized that his decision was made independently, despite having discussions with senior Labour figures such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy leader Angela Rayner. "This was my decision, and my decision alone," Sarwar stated, dismissing any notion of a wider plot.
Controversy Surrounding Duncan-Glancy
In a related development, Sarwar suspended MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy from the Labour Party following revelations about her association with Sean Morton, a convicted sex offender and former Moray councillor. Duncan-Glancy expressed her disappointment, stating that the reasons for her suspension were not fully explained. She defended her actions as stemming from loyalty and care for Morton, whom she described as a vulnerable individual needing support.
Doyle's Peerage Scrutiny
The Labour Party's internal challenges extend to Matthew Doyle, Starmer's former communications chief, who faced scrutiny over his peerage nomination. Doyle's past involvement in campaigning for a friend charged with possessing indecent images of children has raised questions about his suitability for the honor.
Starmer's Support for Sarwar
Despite the tensions, Starmer has expressed unwavering support for Sarwar, granting him the opportunity to campaign in Scotland for the Holyrood elections. Starmer's endorsement underscores the complex dynamics within the Labour Party as it navigates these controversies.
What this might mean
The unfolding events within the Labour Party could have significant implications for its leadership and electoral prospects. Sarwar's call for Starmer's resignation, while independent, highlights internal dissatisfaction that may influence future leadership dynamics. The suspension of Duncan-Glancy and scrutiny of Doyle's peerage nomination further complicate the party's public image.
As the Holyrood elections approach, Sarwar's ability to maintain party unity and effectively campaign in Scotland will be crucial. Starmer's support for Sarwar suggests a strategic alliance aimed at consolidating Labour's position in Scotland. However, the controversies surrounding key figures may continue to challenge the party's efforts to present a cohesive front to voters.
