Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is set to resign from his role as leader of the Scottish Labour Party to take up a ministerial position in Andy Burnham's Labour government.This move would see Sarwar leave the Scottish Parliament and transition to the House of Lords, marking a significant shift in his political career.Sarwar, who has led the Scottish Labour Party since 2021, is expected to become a business minister.

His decision comes after a contentious period, including his public call for Sir Keir Starmer to resign in February 2026, which sparked internal turmoil within the Labour Party.Despite his previous focus on Scotland, Sarwar's appointment as a Westminster minister has raised questions about his commitment to the region.Scottish Labour's electoral performance in May 2026, securing only 17 seats out of 129, has further complicated his leadership role.The move is seen as a strategic shift by Burnham to strengthen his government, though critics argue it undermines Scottish Labour's autonomy.

Political figures have expressed mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a pragmatic step and others criticizing it as a betrayal of local interests.The transition highlights the complex dynamics within the Labour Party and the broader implications for Scottish politics.