Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar set to become a minister in Burnham's government
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is expected to step down from his role to join Andy Burnham's government as a business minister. This move will trigger a leadership vacancy in the Scottish Labour party.
Why it matters
The transition signals a significant shift in UK political alignment and leadership structures within the Labour Party.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Anas Sarwar had called for Sir Keir Starmer to resign in February
Political editor Published 21 July 2026, 20:02 BST Updated 3 minutes ago Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is set to stand down to become a minister in Andy Burnham's government.
Official confirmation is expected in the coming hours.
It would mean Sarwar leaving the Scottish Parliament and his leader role then taking up a seat in the House of Lords.
Sarwar publicly called for Sir Keir Starmer to resign in February, provoking a political near death experience for the then prime minister.
It is thought Sarwar - who was at the event last Friday in London when Andy Burnham became the new Labour Party leader - will be made a business minister.
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