Anas Sarwar admits clashes with Keir Starmer as Scottish Labour’s popularity tanks in new poll

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, has acknowledged disagreements with Keir Starmer following a decline in support for his party as per a recent opinion poll. The Norstat/Sunday Times poll indicated that SNP leader John Swinney is poised for success in the upcoming Holyrood election, while also highlighting a further drop in backing for Labour, potentially resulting in the lowest number of MSPs. Sources within Scottish Labour attribute this decline to various factors, including UK Government actions such as cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment for the elderly, controversies over freebies, and Budget tax increases.

The poll was conducted shortly after the SNP Government’s Budget announcement, which included plans to reverse the Winter Fuel Payment cuts and eliminate Labour’s two-child benefit cap. Sarwar, while acknowledging the challenging poll results, expressed confidence in Labour’s performance in recent council by-elections and lauded Keir Starmer for “cleaning up the mess of the Tories”. However, he maintained his opposition to the WFP cut and advocated for the removal of the two-child benefit cap across the UK and Scotland.

Regarding SNP Finance Secretary Shona Robison’s decision to lift the two-child cap in 2026, Sarwar remarked on the importance of similar measures being implemented nationally. He also critiqued the SNP Government’s tax and spending proposals as a missed opportunity. The poll results showed an increase in SNP’s support, potentially resulting in a majority of pro-independence MSPs in Holyrood, while Labour’s ratings declined both in the first-past-the-post and list systems.

Nigel Farage’s Reform Party is believed to be impacting the pro-UK vote, affecting both Labour and the Tories. A separate poll indicated that Labour is in third place at a Westminster level, behind the Tories and Reform. Sarwar faces internal debates within Scottish Labour on how to respond to Robison’s Budget, with differing views on voting against it given the proposed changes. Analysts like Sir John Curtice note the challenges faced by Labour following their success in the general election and highlight the need for strategic responses.

In summary, Anas Sarwar’s acknowledgment of tensions with Keir Starmer amidst declining support for Scottish Labour underscores the challenges facing the party. While discussing disagreements on specific policies, Sarwar emphasises the need for unity and strategic decisions to navigate the evolving political landscape in Scotland. The shifting dynamics highlighted by the poll results indicate a complex political environment, requiring thoughtful responses from all parties involved.