Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is reportedly preparing to step down from his role to join Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government as a minister in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade. Reports suggest Sarwar will also be elevated to the House of Lords to take up the post.
If confirmed, the move would bring an end to Sarwar's five-year tenure as Scottish Labour leader and trigger a leadership contest north of the border. His departure follows Labour's disappointing performance at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, where the party suffered heavy losses and Sarwar lost his constituency seat before returning to Holyrood as a regional MSP.
The reported appointment has already prompted criticism from opposition parties, with opponents arguing that it raises questions about democratic accountability after Sarwar campaigned to remain in Scottish politics. Supporters, however, say his experience leading Scottish Labour and his knowledge of business and economic issues make him well suited to a ministerial role.
Should the appointment go ahead, attention will quickly turn to who succeeds Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader, with several senior figures expected to consider standing in the forthcoming leadership contest.