Just after 10.30pm, two days after Andy Burnham became Prime Minster, it became official that Anas Sarwar has been appointed Minister of State in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and will sit in his cabinet.
Since he is not an elected MP, the former dentist will take up his office after being honoured with a life peerage by The King. The peerage has been announced but his actual title has not yet been confirmed.
The Scottish Labour leader who helmed the recent Labour Party campaign along with Scottish Secretary, Douglas Alexander who remains in post are under fire for “failing upwards”. The Labour Party lost many seats in Scotland and now only have 17 MSPs at Holyrood, the same number as Reform UK.
Anas Sarwar said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve every part of the United Kingdom as the Minister of State for Trade.
“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.
“From working as an NHS dentist, through my time as Member of Parliament, Member of the Scottish Parliament and as Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, it has been an honour to serve the people of the great City of Glasgow and across Scotland.
“The challenges facing the United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom. 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 brings jobs and economic growth through working with 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 United Kingdom.
“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.
“Looking back over the last five years, I am hugely proud of the work we have done since I became Scottish Labour Leader.
“As a team, we rebuilt and renewed the party, leading the way in removing the Tories from office, taking Scottish Labour from one Member of Parliament in 2019 to 37 in 2024.
“And we always endeavoured to hold the Scottish Government to account and advocated for change in Scotland too. I am disappointed and sorry we couldn’t achieve a better outcome at the recent Scottish election. I take my fair share of responsibility for that.
“I am proud of my 10 years in the Scottish Parliament, and nothing has meant more to me or had more of an impact on me than standing up for the families affected by the scandal and cover up at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. For them, their fight for justice continues, but I will always be by their side.
“I would like to thank all our members, staff, and elected politicians for all their support and efforts over the years.
“I am particularly thankful to my Deputy, Jackie Baillie, for her steadfast support and encouragement. She has been a member of the Scottish Parliament since its creation in 1999. She has maintained the same energy and commitment to our party and to Scotland since that first day to today.
“Thank you too to our General Secretary Kate Watson. She has given every waking moment to the cause of Labour and been by my side throughout my time as Leader. Jackie and Kate – you are the best of us, and I will always be thankful to you both.
“To all my colleagues in both Parliaments and to all our amazing staff – thank you for everything you have done, and I’m sure will continue to do – for the Labour movement and for Scotland. I look forward to continuing to support you in those efforts, albeit from a different role.
“The Scottish Labour Party has a range of talent among our Members of the Scottish Parliament. The best interests of the individuals, families, and communities we seek to represent is served by having a strong and effective Labour Party. I will work with my successor to deliver that.”
Acting Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Jackie Baillie MSP, said: “I want to thank Anas Sarwar for his leadership and friendship.
“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.
“The Scottish Executive Committee will meet to agree a timetable for the election of the next Leader of the Scottish Labour Party.
“Further details of the Leadership election will be communicated in due course.”
Comments on social media have been quite to the point, with responses to a tweet by Anas Sarwar ranging from “Congratulations! Amazing work Anas, keep it up!” to “Congratulations. It’s been sixteen years since you won a constituency and you’ve been in charge of Scottish Labour’s worst two defeats. Being elevated to the upper chamber you once committed to abolish means you never have to fight an election again, and lose.”
Melanie Ward MP takes up the position vacated by Kirsty McNeill, MP, at Dover House, as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Scotland Office. Ms Ward is MP for Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy and was elected in 2024.
Gregor Poynton, MP for Livingston has been appointed as Junior Lord of the Treasury (Government Whip).
Blair McDougall MP has been appointed jointly as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Baroness Curran has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Margaret Curran is a former MP for Glasgow East and her son, Chris is MP for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.
All ministerial appointments are at this link
