Anas Sarwar has defended his long-standing call to abolish the unelected House of Lords and replace it with a democratically elected senate, even after accepting a peerage to become Minister of State for Trade. He said his ambition had been to become Scotland's first minister but that he now wants to help deliver for people across the UK. Sarwar described leading Scottish Labour as the "hardest job in British politics" and urged his potential successors — Michael Marra, Joe Fagan and Monica Lennon — to avoid infighting and prioritise unity. The party aims to elect a new leader by its conference on 19 September, with ballots set for 28 August–17 September.
Sarwar Defends Call To Abolish House Of Lords After Accepting Peerage To Join Government
Monica Lennon is one of three candidates bidding to replace Sarwar as Scottish Labour leader [Getty Images]
Former Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has reiterated his long-held view that the unelected House of Lords should be abolished and replaced by a democratically elected senate of the nations and regions, even after accepting a peerage to serve as Minister of State for Trade in the new UK government.
Peerage And His Position On The Lords
Sarwar, who stood down as a Glasgow MSP last month to take up his ministerial role, told BBC Scotland News his stance has not changed. "I have always said that there should be a senate of the nations and regions. I still have that view," he said, repeating the call he first made publicly in 2022.
"My aspiration and ambition was to be first minister of Scotland. Clearly I failed in that aspiration and now I want to make sure that this Labour government is a success and we deliver for people in every part of our great country."
On Promises, Ambition And Political Trade‑Offs
When questioned about a pre-election pledge not to accept a peerage, Sarwar explained his earlier ambition to become Scotland's first minister and said circumstances changed after the election. He framed his acceptance of the peerage as a decision taken to help deliver government priorities across the United Kingdom.
Leadership Of Scottish Labour
Speaking at an Edinburgh Fringe event to comedian and podcaster Matt Forde, Sarwar described leading Scottish Labour as exceptionally demanding. "Honestly, hand on heart — because I've done it for five years — the hardest job in British politics is being the leader of the Scottish Labour Party," he said, adding that the role had tested him in numerous ways.
He stressed he will not be a former leader who constantly comments publicly on party affairs. Instead, Sarwar urged his potential successors to show unity and mutual support: "Be available to give them advice, be supportive of them. If they ask you to help, always help them; go out of your way to help them but don't be a public commentator on them."
Succession And The Leadership Race
Three MSPs — Michael Marra, Joe Fagan and Monica Lennon — have declared their bids to replace Sarwar. Lennon, who lost her constituency seat at the May election, is eligible to return to Holyrood after the summer recess to fill the Glasgow list vacancy left by Sarwar.
Sarwar declined to endorse any candidate but warned against factionalism and urged the parliamentary group to prioritise relationships and teamwork once the contest concludes.
Context: Election Results And Timeline
In the May Scottish election, Labour won 17 seats (four fewer than in 2021) while the SNP won 58. The Scottish Labour ruling body, the Scottish Executive Committee, has said a new leader will be in place by the party conference on 19 September. Nominations opened on 3 August for two weeks, and party members and supporters will be balloted from 28 August until 17 September.
Note on reporting: The original reporting refers to national leadership changes at UK level. Readers should check the latest independent sources for confirmation of any changes in UK party leadership or prime ministership, as such details can change quickly.
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