Anas Sarwar, the former Scottish Labour leader who recently transitioned to a role as a trade minister, is reportedly being considered to replace Douglas Alexander as Secretary of State for Scotland. Labour sources indicate this potential move could occur within the next six months.
The speculation follows internal party dynamics, with some sources suggesting a sense of "karma" due to past disagreements. Sarwar publicly called for Sir Keir Starmer's resignation in February during a period of declining support for the then-leader. In contrast, Alexander was a vocal supporter of Starmer. Alexander also led Labour's campaign strategy during the May Holyrood election, which saw the party's representation decrease.
Sources within the party suggest that relations between Sarwar and Alexander became strained following Sarwar's public call for Starmer to step down, particularly amid criticism of Peter Mandelson's appointment as US ambassador. It was later noted that Alexander had been a close ally of Lord Mandelson, with messages indicating Alexander had thanked him for assistance in his re-election bid. Alexander's first ministerial meeting as Scottish Secretary was with a representative from Lord Mandelson's lobbying firm, Global Counsel.
One Labour source described the relationship between Sarwar and Alexander as tense, characterizing Alexander as "haughty, cold and distant." Sarwar, despite not winning the Holyrood election, was considered a popular leader of the Scottish party.
While Andy Burnham's decision to retain Alexander as Scottish Secretary was seen as surprising by some within Labour, sources claim it was always viewed as a temporary appointment. Some Labour colleagues reportedly believe Sarwar is the likely successor to the Scotland Office role, with his peerage and trade brief seen as initial steps.
Another Labour source highlighted Sarwar's "huge political ambitions" and "highly skilled" nature, suggesting he is capable of more than his current trade position. However, some party figures expressed concern that Sarwar's potential appointment to lead the Scotland Office would leave no other Scottish representation in the House of Commons besides a junior minister. This scenario, one Labour MP warned, could be exploited by the SNP and other parties, creating a "huge open goal."
Questions were also raised about the practicality of a peer leading the Scotland Office, with one MP calling it "unprecedented." The article notes a past instance where a Conservative peer was appointed to a junior role in the Scotland Office during Boris Johnson's premiership, who later defected to another party and became an elected MSP.
A Downing Street spokesman stated that Cabinet positions are already set and declined further comment. The article was published on July 25, 2026.