Anas Sarwar 'delighted' to take up UK government job, as move to House of Lords confirmed
Anas Sarwar has now officially confirmed his move from Holyrood to the House of Lords
Anas Sarwar has said he is “delighted” to be taking up a job in Andy Burnham’s new government.
He has also pledged to work with whoever replaces him as Scottish Labour leader as he leaves Holyrood after 10 years.
Mr Sarwar has now officially confirmed he is leaving the Scottish Parliament and will take up a peerage in the House of Lords and become a UK trade minister.
In a statement, he said: “Throughout my life, I have only ever been motivated by public service. The opportunity to serve our country is all I have ever asked.
“That’s why this is an opportunity I humbly accept.”
He said it had been “an honour” to serve as a Glasgow MSP and as leader of the Scottish party
Mr Sarwar said: “The challenges facing the UK now could not be greater or the risks more stark.
“The rise of an emboldened new right must concentrate minds. This is a fight for the heart and soul of our nation - that’s why Andy Burnham and this Labour Government must succeed.
“That fight starts by showing that politics and government works for everyone, in all parts of the UK. Our relationship with countries around the world is a vital part of that effort. Jobs here in Britain depend on customers overseas.
“I’ve seen how Andy Burnham has worked to empower communities, to deliver change, to bring jobs and economic growth through working and businesses, to make Manchester a great place to live and do business. We have a job of work to do to replicate that in every corner of the UK.
“Britain has phenomenal talent - people bursting with ideas and energy, an entrepreneurial spirit and potential that needs unlocked and unleashed. That is what will drive me every day in this new role.”
In his statement he also said he is “disappointed” the party did not perform better at the May election, and said he takes his “fair share of responsibility”.
Mr Sarwar campaigned to become the next First Minister, but instead led his party to its worst Holyrood result in the history of devolution, winning just 17 seats and coming joint second with Reform UK.
He also thanked his deputy Dame Jackie Baillie MSP for her “steadfast support and encouragement”. She is now the party’s acting leader until an official leadership contest is won.
She said: “He led the Scottish Labour Party with integrity and a vision to build a fairer and more equal Scotland.
“These are the same values I am sure he will now champion in government.”
Mr Sarwar has also promised to work with whoever his successor is.
A number of names are currently being mooted as potential replacements as Scottish Labour leader. Amongst the names are the party’s finance spokesman Michael Marra MSP, Burnham ally Paul Sweeney MSP and one of the party’s few constituency MSPs Daniel Johnson.
A by-election will not be triggered by Mr Sarwar’s resignation, as he was elected on the Glasgow regional list. He will automatically be replaced by Monica Lennon, who is also being tipped to stand in any leadership contest.
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