Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar confirmed he has not spoken to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer since publicly calling for Starmer to resign as prime minister in February. Sarwar made the remarks during an interview with Sky News political editor Beth Rigby on March 18, 2026.
Communication and Relations After Resignation Call
Sarwar said he spoke to Starmer “a couple of times” during the week he issued his resignation call but has not contacted him since. Despite this, Sarwar noted that their teams remain in regular contact, and he continues to engage with members of the cabinet. He acknowledged Starmer was angry with him following the public challenge, saying, “Of course he was going to be angry,” but added that dialogue with the cabinet has continued.
He described ongoing discussions about Labour policies affecting Scotland and stressed the importance of ensuring a UK Labour government delivers for Scotland’s interests.
Sarwar’s Position and Political Context
Addressing rumors about coordination with senior Labour figures such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former deputy leader Angela Rayner before his resignation call, Sarwar denied involvement in any plot or coup against Starmer. He emphasized his focus was solely on the implications for Scotland.
Sarwar stood by his position on Starmer’s unpopularity and the government’s challenges in Scotland, stating, “I’ve stated my position, I stand by it, I don’t recount or recoil from that.”
Personal and Political Impact
On a personal level, Sarwar described Starmer as a friend and a “good, decent man” who wants the best for the country, making the decision to call for his resignation difficult. Looking ahead to the upcoming May elections for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, English mayoral, and local councils, Sarwar called the next 50 days a critical period for Labour, agreeing with Angela Rayner’s warning that the party is running out of time to improve its standing.
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