"My only commitment, my only focus, is serving my constituents in Glasgow"
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is expected to step down after reportedly accepting a ministerial role in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government.
Sarwar has led Scottish Labour since 2021.
He attended Andy Burnham’s leadership event in London before he officially became Labour leader.
His departure is expected to trigger a Scottish Labour leadership contest.
Deputy leader Jackie Baillie is expected to become interim leader until a successor is chosen.
As Sarwar represents a regional list seat at Holyrood, there will be no by-election.
Rules introduced last year also prevent politicians from serving simultaneously in Westminster and Holyrood.
Scottish Labour secured 17 seats in May’s Scottish Parliament election.
Despite the result, Sarwar previously insisted he intended to remain leader.
In May, when asked whether he would accept a House of Lords seat, Sarwar replied:
“No. I’m focused on being first minister of this great country.”
He also said: “My only commitment, my only focus, is serving my constituents in Glasgow and serving the great people of this country.”
Following Keir Starmer’s resignation in June, Sarwar said he remained committed to Scottish politics and wanted to prevent Nigel Farage’s Reform UK from gaining power.
After Burnham became Prime Minister on July 20, Sarwar praised his “bold Labour vision”.
Further ministerial appointments are expected in the coming days.
The reported move has prompted mixed reactions across Scotland’s political landscape.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney wished Sarwar well but criticised Burnham’s decision.
Swinney questioned appointing the leader who oversaw Scottish Labour’s poorest Holyrood election result to both the House of Lords and the UK Government.
Reform UK’s Scotland deputy leader Thomas Kerr said voters would feel “betrayed”.
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay criticised Sarwar for reportedly accepting a Lords seat after previously supporting reform of the chamber.
Former Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy welcomed the appointment.
He said it would benefit Sarwar personally and could strengthen Burnham’s government, although he acknowledged the new role would bring significant challenges.
The appointment would mark a significant shift in Sarwar’s political career and leave Scottish Labour searching for a new leader ahead of the next Holyrood election.
The upcoming leadership contest is expected to play a crucial role in determining the future direction of Scottish Labour, as the party looks to rebuild support and prepare for future electoral challenges in Scotland.
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