What's happened
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar publicly called for Keir Starmer to resign amid internal party tensions and declining poll support. His intervention follows a series of political setbacks and internal disagreements, raising questions about Labour's leadership stability ahead of upcoming elections. The story highlights the fragile state of Labour's national and Scottish campaigns as of today, February 17, 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The current political landscape reveals a fragile Labour party facing multiple crises. Sarwar's dramatic call for Starmer's resignation, though now softened, underscores deep internal divisions and a lack of unified support. The timing of Sarwar's intervention was risky, potentially undermining Labour's campaign efforts just weeks before critical elections. The internal dissent highlights a broader struggle within Labour to reconcile leadership stability with electoral strategy. The Mandelson scandal and recent polling lows suggest that Starmer's leadership is increasingly vulnerable, and the party's future hinges on how effectively it can manage internal conflicts and restore public trust. The upcoming elections will serve as a litmus test for Labour's resilience, with internal fractures possibly influencing voter perceptions and outcomes. If Labour fails to unify, the party risks further electoral losses, which could threaten Starmer's leadership and the party's national prospects. Conversely, a strategic consolidation of support could stabilize the party, but this will require decisive leadership and clear messaging to voters.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Sarwar's call for Starmer to resign was initially a high-risk move that has since been retracted, with Sarwar now supporting Starmer's leadership despite internal tensions. The article highlights the internal party disagreements and the potential impact on upcoming elections. Jessica Elgot notes that despite Sarwar's outspoken criticism, many Labour MPs remain cautious about leadership change, emphasizing the party's low polling and internal divisions. The article also discusses the broader context of Labour's struggles, including the Mandelson scandal and internal dissent. Reuters adds that Starmer faces mounting pressure over his judgment, especially regarding the Mandelson appointment linked to Jeffrey Epstein, and that recent resignations of his top aides reflect internal turmoil. All sources agree that Labour's internal conflicts and external electoral challenges are critical factors shaping the party's future, with some analysts warning that the party's survival may depend on how well it manages these crises in the coming weeks.
How we got here
The recent turmoil stems from Labour's poor polling performance and internal disagreements over leadership decisions, notably Sarwar's outspoken criticism of Starmer. Sarwar's initial call for Starmer to resign was seen as a risky move amid fears of destabilizing the party further. The situation is compounded by upcoming elections in Scotland, Wales, and local councils, which are seen as critical tests for Labour's future. The Mandelson scandal and internal party conflicts have further strained the leadership's credibility, with some MPs and Scottish Labour figures questioning Starmer's judgment and strategy.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Anas Sarwar is a Scottish politician who served as Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party from 2011 to 2014. He has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow region since 2016, having previously been Member of Parliament for Glasgow Cen
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Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson PC is a British Labour politician, president of international think tank Policy Network, honorary president of the Great Britain–China Centre, and chairman of strategic advisory firm Global Counsel.