Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is facing criticism from political opponents after calling for the prime minister to step down. Despite calls for the prime minister's resignation, Sarwar expressed pride in his work with Starmer.
First Minister John Swinney stated that Sarwar had made the correct decision in calling for the prime minister's resignation, adding that it was "past time for him to face reality." Swinney remarked that "rather than simply a change of personnel, what is needed is a fundamental change of direction." He characterized the Labour party's time in power as being "characterised by broken promises, poor judgement and, ultimately, failure." Swinney suggested that a "fresh start" was possible for Scotland, but "only with independence."
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay questioned whether Andy Burnham would be a more successful prime minister, stating, "The problem isn't the person behind the wheel. It is a party that once worked to serve the interests of working people but now serves only the interests of billionaires and their corporate donors."
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay asserted that Starmer would be "remembered as the prime minister of U-turns and broken promises."