Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to accept trade minister job
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is stepping down from his role to become the UK Minister of State for Trade under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Sarwar will be granted a peerage to serve in the House of Lords, a move that has drawn criticism from political opponents.
Why it matters
This appointment represents a significant change in Scottish political leadership and highlights ongoing debates regarding the role of the House of Lords in UK governance.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Anas Sarwar confirmed he has been appointed a minister in the UK government
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has confirmed he is stepping down to become Minister of State for Trade in Andy Burnham's government.
He will leave the Scottish Parliament and his leader role, and will be granted a peerage so he can take up a seat in the House of Lords.
Sarwar, who has led the Scottish Labour Party since 2021, said he would work with his successor to serve people in Scotland.
In a statement on social media, he said he was "delighted" to join the UK government and it had been "an honour" to serve people in Glasgow, where he was an MSP, and across Scotland.
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