No mood in Scottish Labour for challenge to Anas Sarwar’s leadership – MP

There is no mood in the Scottish Labour party for a challenge to Anas Sarwar’s leadership, one of the MPs who quit Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has said.

Dr Zubir Ahmed also said Wes Streeting has a “critical mass” of support among the parliamentary Labour group.

Dr Ahmed, an ally of Mr Streeting, quit as health minister on Tuesday as a number of Labour figures called for change in Number 10.

The Scottish Parliament election saw Mr Sarwar’s party slump to 17 MSPs, prompting questions about his approach.

Speaking to BBC Scotland’s Sunday Show, Dr Ahmed was asked why he had not joined Mr Sarwar’s call for the Prime Minister to go in February.

He said it is a “very high bar” to resign from government and still felt Sir Keir may be able to turn things around.

The Glasgow South West MP said Sir Keir’s unpopularity drove Scottish Labour’s election results, prompting his decision to quit.

Discussing Mr Sarwar, Dr Ahmed said: “He stabilised the party, then delivered 37 Labour MPs in 2024, of which I am one.

“And I think there is no mood at the moment for a leadership contest in Scotland, while we’re trying to work out more broadly where the Labour Government goes.”

Dr Ahmed praised Mr Streeting, saying: “Wes has a critical mass of support up and down the country, including in Scotland.

“But I think what’s required to move forward properly and to command the confidence of the Parliamentary Labour Party and the country, is some form of discussion.

“I think this can only happen through the lens of a contest.”