DEVELOPING STORY – Updates to follow
Anas Sarwar is preparing to deliver a bombshell call for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign, Sky News understands, as the government faces its deepest crisis since taking power.
The Scottish Labour leader has scheduled an emergency press conference for 2.30pm this afternoon where he will publicly urge the Prime Minister to step down from Number 10.
The unprecedented intervention comes as Downing Street battles twin resignations within 24 hours, with the director of communications departing today following chief of staff Morgan McSweeney’s resignation yesterday.
McSweeney’s exit was directly linked to mounting fury over the government’s decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador. The veteran politician’s past associations with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have triggered widespread outrage among Labour MPs, party members and union leaders.
Two major union leaders have already publicly called for Starmer’s resignation over the controversial appointment, creating significant pressure from the party’s traditional powerbase.
Sarwar’s decision to break ranks and demand the Prime Minister’s departure represents the most serious internal challenge to Starmer’s leadership yet. The hastily arranged media appearance suggests the Scottish party leader views the situation as requiring urgent action.
The crisis has exposed deep divisions within the Labour movement and raised serious questions about the Prime Minister’s judgment in proceeding with the Mandelson appointment despite the reputational risks.
This is a developing story. We will bring you live updates from Anas Sarwar’s press conference as it happens.
14:30 UPDATE:
Anas Sarwar has taken to the podium and the press conference is now underway. The Scottish Labour leader is expected to deliver his call for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign within moments.
Journalists have gathered as Sarwar prepares to make his historic intervention against the UK Labour leader amid the deepening crisis at Number 10.
14:32 UPDATE – SARWAR OFFICIALLY CALLS FOR STARMER TO RESIGN:
Anas Sarwar has formally demanded Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation as both Prime Minister and Labour leader, declaring that “leadership in Downing Street has to change”.
Opening his press conference, the Scottish Labour leader acknowledged the gravity of his intervention, stating: “This decision isn’t easy, and it’s not without pain.”
However, Sarwar made clear his primary allegiance lies with Scotland, insisting his priority is “to my country, Scotland” as he justified breaking ranks with the UK party leadership.
The historic call marks the first time a senior Labour figure has publicly demanded Starmer step down since the crisis erupted over the Mandelson appointment.
14:36 UPDATE – SARWAR: ‘I HAVE TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY’
Anas Sarwar has emphasized his duty to Scotland takes precedence over party loyalty as he defended his explosive call for the Prime Minister’s resignation.
“I have to do what’s right for my country and Scotland,” the Scottish Labour leader declared, acknowledging he shares a “genuine friendship” with Sir Keir Starmer but insisting his first priority remains Scotland.
Sarwar directly addressed the ongoing crisis engulfing Downing Street, stating: “The distraction needs to end and the leadership in Downing Street has to change.”
The comments suggest Sarwar views the turmoil surrounding the Mandelson appointment and subsequent staff resignations as damaging to the government’s ability to function effectively.
14:38 UPDATE – SARWAR WARNS DOWNING STREET CRISIS THREATENS SCOTTISH ELECTION
Anas Sarwar has revealed the upcoming Scottish elections are driving his dramatic intervention, warning that Downing Street’s failures could cost Labour victory against the SNP.
“It is so obvious that we desperately need change in Scotland and in three months time, the opportunity to get rid of a failing SNP government is one that is too important to be missed,” Sarwar declared.
The Scottish Labour leader expressed frustration that the UK government’s achievements are being overshadowed by scandal: “Have there been good things? Of course there have, many of them, but no one knows them and no one can hear them because they’re being drowned out.”
Sarwar criticized the government for broken promises, stating: “They promised they were going to be different, but too much has happened. The situation in Downing Street is not good enough. There have been too many mistakes.”
He warned bluntly: “We cannot allow the failures at the heart of Downing Street to mean the failures continue here in Scotland, because the election is not without consequence for the lives of Scots.”
14:39 UPDATE – SARWAR PIVOTS TO MAY ELECTION AND SCOTTISH PRIORITIES
Anas Sarwar quickly shifted focus to domestic Scottish issues, emphasizing the critical importance of the upcoming Holyrood elections in May.
The Scottish Labour leader outlined the stakes for voters, highlighting failures in “housing, the NHS and the safety of young people” under SNP governance.
“The election in May is not without consequence for the lives of Scots,” Sarwar stressed, framing his call for Starmer’s resignation as necessary to protect Labour’s electoral prospects north of the border.
Sarwar positioned his intervention as a matter of principle, declaring: “I feel I have to be honest about failure as I see it.”
He reiterated his central criticism: “The situation in Downing Street is not good enough,” making clear he believes the ongoing crisis is jeopardizing Labour’s chances of defeating the SNP and addressing Scotland’s pressing domestic challenges.
14:42 UPDATE – SARWAR PRAISES STARMER AS ‘DECENT MAN’ BUT INSISTS CHANGE NEEDED
Anas Sarwar attempted to balance personal respect with political necessity, describing Sir Keir Starmer as a “decent man” who has “dedicated his life to public service” while maintaining his resignation demand.
The Scottish Labour leader reflected on last year’s general election victory, expressing pride in his role removing the Conservatives from power and praising Scottish Labour MPs who “did the hard work” alongside Scottish ministers.
“I want them to stay in government,” Sarwar emphasized, reaffirming that his “first priority has always been Scotland.”
However, he returned to his central argument, declaring that “the people of Scotland are crying out for competent government” – suggesting the current Downing Street leadership is failing to deliver the stability Scottish voters demand.
The careful framing shows Sarwar walking a tightrope between condemning Starmer’s leadership while protecting Scottish Labour MPs and ministers serving in the UK government.
14:44 UPDATE – SARWAR DENIES SEEKING TO REPLACE STARMER AS PM
Anas Sarwar has rejected suggestions he wants to replace Sir Keir Starmer in Number 10, insisting he is “not backing any alternative” as he fielded questions from journalists.
When pressed by the BBC on who should succeed Starmer, the Scottish Labour leader firmly stated: “This is not about MPs or MSPs, but about what is right for Scotland.”
Sarwar explained his intervention by describing Downing Street’s leadership as becoming a “huge distraction” from Labour’s positive achievements across the country.
He deflected questions about succession planning, saying: “It is for the UK cabinet, Downing Street and Labour to decide the process.”
The comments suggest Sarwar is positioning himself as a concerned party figure acting in Scotland’s interests rather than as a leadership contender, potentially avoiding accusations of personal ambition driving his bombshell demand.
14:45 UPDATE – BREAKING: CHANCELLOR BACKS STARMER AS CABINET RALLIES
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has publicly backed Sir Keir Starmer to remain as Prime Minister, declaring her support as senior figures rally around the embattled leader.
“With Keir as our prime minister we are turning the country around,” Reeves stated, delivering a swift rebuttal to Sarwar’s resignation demand.
The Chancellor’s intervention signals the cabinet is closing ranks behind Starmer despite the Scottish Labour leader’s dramatic call for change.
The contrasting statements from Reeves and Sarwar highlight the deepening split within the Labour Party over the Prime Minister’s leadership amid the ongoing crisis.
14:46 UPDATE – SARWAR REVEALS HE WARNED STARMER BEFORE GOING PUBLIC
Anas Sarwar has disclosed he spoke directly with Sir Keir Starmer before delivering his resignation demand, confirming the two leaders clashed over the decision.
“I think it’s safe to say he and I disagreed,” Sarwar revealed when asked about their conversation prior to the press conference.
The Scottish Labour leader was challenged over his abrupt change of position – just days ago on Thursday he said Starmer could remain as Prime Minister.
Defending his U-turn, Sarwar stated: “The issues are much broader now,” adding that “there has been too many incidents where the wrong judgement calls were made.”
The revelation suggests Starmer was given advance warning of the public intervention but failed to convince Sarwar to reconsider, highlighting the breakdown in relations between the UK and Scottish party leadership.
14:48 UPDATE – SARWAR DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM MANDELSON, CALLS APPOINTMENT WRONG
Anas Sarwar has explicitly distanced himself from Lord Mandelson, stating bluntly: “Let me be clear, Peter Mandelson is not someone or something I want to be associated with.”
The Scottish Labour leader was challenged over previously describing Mandelson as an “old friend” and questioned whether his dramatic intervention is designed to protect himself ahead of May’s Holyrood elections.
Sarwar dismissed suggestions of political opportunism, repeating that he is “doing what is best for Scotland.”
Crucially, he condemned the Mandelson appointment directly, stating the veteran politician “should not have been appointed as US ambassador in the first place.”
Sarwar added it is “right” that Mandelson is no longer a member of the House of Lords and the Labour Party – referring to consequences of the Epstein scandal.
The comments represent Sarwar’s clearest criticism yet of the decision that triggered the Downing Street crisis and staff resignations.
