UK: Keir Starmer clings on, party ally calls on him to quit

""I have a genuine friendship with Keir Starmer. But my first priority and my first loyalty is to my country, Scotland," Sarwar said. "That's why the distraction needs to end, and the leadership in Downing Street needs to change." Sarwar made no secret of his gaze being fixed on May elections to the Scottish parliament at Holyrood, where Labour is struggling in the polls against the Scottish National Party (SNP) that has led Scottish governments for years now."

""In three months we have an election that must be about one thing and one thing only, Scotland. That is my duty. That is my priority. That is my loyalty. And that is Scotland's choice," Sarwar said at the conclusion of his prepared remarks. He said he had spoken with Starmer before his press conference and that the two of them had "disagreed.""

Pressure mounted on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the release of the Epstein files, fresh disclosures about former UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson, and the resignation of Starmer's chief of staff. Anas Sarwar, leader of Labour in Scotland, called on Starmer to quit, saying his personal friendship with Starmer is outweighed by his loyalty to Scotland and that the distraction must end. Sarwar argued leadership in Downing Street needs to change and demanded focus on the upcoming May Scottish parliamentary elections. Sarwar said he had spoken with Starmer and they disagreed, and he criticised Downing Street for too many mistakes.

Read at www.dw.com