Scottish Labour MPs Discuss Leadership Concerns Ahead of May Elections
Reports have circulated that some Scottish Labour MPs are considering the possibility of ousting Keir Starmer before the May Scottish Parliament elections, due to concerns that Labour could underperform because of the prime minister's unpopularity. However, a Scottish Labour MP denied there was any active plot, though acknowledged that Starmer's unpopularity is recognized among colleagues, amid a backdrop of briefing and counter-briefing fueling leadership speculation.
Leadership changes within Labour would require the support of 80 MPs to trigger a challenge, and party rules ensure that Starmer would remain on the ballot, making a sudden revolt unlikely. Among Scotland's 37 Labour MPs, 15 hold front-bench roles, indicating a significant group with influence but no unified push for change.
Scottish Labour plans to limit Starmer's involvement in the main Scottish campaign, with Anas Sarwar set to lead the Holyrood campaign to highlight a contrast with the SNP's record. While dissatisfaction with the UK government and chaotic Budget briefings is evident, this has not translated into a readiness to replace Starmer.
Labour's recent victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election in June, won by 602 votes after a robust campaign, underlines the importance of ground strategy for the upcoming Holyrood elections. Starmer's Scotland campaign will remain limited, without frequent visits or appearances in Scottish party broadcasts, placing emphasis on local leadership rather than a UK-wide approach.
