Labour’s Scottish leader tells Starmer to quit – POLITICO

The British leader’s premiership is already in turmoil after fresh revelations about the relationship between Peter Mandelson, the man he chose for the role of ambassador to the U.S, and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

“The situation in Downing Street is not good enough,” Sarwar said. “There have been too many mistakes. They promised they were going to be different but too much has happened. It cannot continue.”

Sarwar’s gamble came as the prime minister was already dealing with a double resignation from his top team in Downing Street. His chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney — one of his most important lieutenants widely credited with propelling Starmer to Downing Street — quit Sunday. He was followed out of the door Monday by Tim Allan, who had served as Starmer’s comms chief for six months.

But the Scottish Labour leader’s open attack on Starmer was followed by a coordinated show of support for the embattled PM from key members of his Cabinet. One potential leadership rival, former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, also threw her support behind Starmer, calling on “colleagues to come together.”

Even Ian Murray — the former Scotland secretary sacked by Starmer last year — publicly backed the PM on Monday. Few Scottish Labour MPs or MSPs emerged to back Sarwar in the immediate aftermath of his press conference.

Elections looming

As leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Sarwar is facing elections in May to lead the devolved Scottish government.