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Tuesday, 21 July 2026
Politics

Anas Sarwar Reportedly Set to Quit as Scottish Labour Leader for Ministerial Role

The expected move would see Sarwar join a government led by Andy Burnham, who has outlined a cost-of-living policy and spoken with the EU Council president.

Talivio News · Global 1 min read
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Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is reported to be leaving his role to become a minister in a government led by Andy Burnham. According to reports, Sarwar would step down as Scottish Labour leader and leave the Scottish Parliament to take up a ministerial post in a revamped Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, and would be elevated to the House of Lords.

The reports indicate that Andy Burnham, as part of his first cost-of-living move, will cut VAT on electricity bills. Separately, António Costa, president of the European Council, said he held a 'good' phone call with Burnham and they agreed to 'further strengthen' EU-UK relations and continue cooperation to support Ukraine. Costa added that he and Burnham discussed 'common geopolitical challenges facing Europe'.

Rowan Ashcombe

Politics Correspondent · Talivio News

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Sources

  1. The GuardianAnas Sarwar reportedly set to quit as Scottish Labour leader to be minister in Andy Burnham’s government – UK politics live (opens in a new window)
  2. BBCScottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar set to become a minister in Burnham's government (opens in a new window)
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