The Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, is expected to step down from his position to take up a ministerial post in Andy Burnham's government. The move is expected to elevate Sarwar to the House of Lords, where he will serve as a minister in the revamped Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Sarwar's expected departure comes after he called for Sir Keir Starmer to step down as prime minister in February. However, he has since praised Burnham for his "bold Labour vision" as he took office this week.
The SNP has criticized the move, with the party's deputy leader, Keith Brown MSP, saying it would be a "terrible look" for Burnham. Brown accused Burnham of performing "the most undemocratic trick in the Westminster book" by appointing Sarwar to a ministerial post.
Sarwar has been Scottish Labour leader since 2021 and has previously stated his intention to serve out the full five-year Holyrood term. However, it appears that he will be leaving his post to take up the new role in the House of Lords.
Andy Burnham still has several ministerial posts to fill, but his first conversation with Donald Trump was reportedly "extremely warm". The two discussed North Sea oil, trade, and demining of the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump touting the benefits of further drilling in the North Sea.
The move to appoint Sarwar to a ministerial post has sparked controversy, with some questioning the decision to elevate him to the House of Lords. The outcome of the situation remains to be seen, but it is clear that it will have significant implications for the Labour Party and the UK government as a whole.
