Overview
- Keir Starmer refused to resign and quickly received public backing from Cabinet ministers and many MPs.
- Anas Sarwar said he acted alone, rejected talk of a coup, and presented his decision as putting Scotland first.
- Sarwar said Starmer would be welcome to join the Holyrood campaign to chap doors, though he will lead the effort himself.
- A Norstat poll for the Sunday Times found 52% in Scotland supported Sarwar’s call, while Scottish Labour’s Holyrood support remained around 17%.
- Downing Street faced continued scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s US envoy appointment, with chief of staff Morgan McSweeney taking responsibility and resigning.