Labour’s leader in Scotland, Anas Sarwar, has called on Sir Keir Starmer to resign as prime minister and party leader, saying that “the leadership in Downing Street must change.”

In his statement, Sarwar made it clear that his decision “is not easy and is not taken without pain”, but maintained that his priority is “my country, Scotland”. As he said, “that’s why this distraction has to end” and “the leadership on Downing Street has to change.”

He went on to stress that “it is so obvious that we desperately need change in Scotland” and that “in three months, the opportunity to get rid of a failed SNP government is too important to miss”. He also added that “we cannot allow failures in the heart of Downing Street to mean that failures will continue here in Scotland“, stressing that “elections are not without consequences for the lives of Scots.”

Sarwar went on to say that “the situation in Downing Street is not good enough”, that “too many mistakes have been made” and that “they promised they would be different, but too much has happened”. He acknowledged that “there have been good things,” but added that “no one knows them and no one can listen to them because they are drowned out,” to conclude: “That’s why it can’t go on.”

The Scottish Labour leader said he had spoken to Starmer earlier today, noting that he appreciated him personally but insisting that the current situation cannot continue. “Kir Starmer is a decent man, and it is no secret that I have always got on well with him, and he has dedicated his life to public service,” he said, adding: “I too have dedicated myself to public service, and I have to decide what I’m willing to accept and what I’m willing to tolerate.”

As he pointed out, “people in this great country, Scotland, desperately seek competent governance, transparency, honesty and results“. He also noted that “they want politics that is open and accountable” and “leaders who put the national interest before themselves,” he concluded: “This is the standard I will always apply.”

In closing, he confirmed that he had been in communication with Starmer earlier today and added that “it’s safe to say we disagreed.”