Billionaire donors back Sarwar remaining leader - but issue warning to UK party

Billionaire donors Sandy and James Easdale have publicly backed Anas Sarwar to remain as leader of Scottish Labour despite the party’s worst election performance since devolution. The Easdale brothers, whose combined wealth reached £1.47 billion this year, donated £300,000 to support Scottish Labour’s campaign in the recent Holyrood election. Scottish Labour lost five seats, finishing with 17 and tying with Reform UK, while the SNP secured a record fifth term with 58 seats. The poor showing has prompted calls from within the party for Sarwar and his deputy, Jackie Baillie, to resign. Despite internal criticism, the Easdales expressed confidence in Sarwar’s leadership and Baillie’s capabilities. They praised Sarwar’s diverse background as a dentist and businessman, suggesting it gives him valuable insight, and described Baillie as one of the most articulate and respected MSPs in recent years. However, they also issued a warning to the UK Labour Party, attributing some of Scottish Labour’s difficulties to Westminster colleagues and urging them to improve their performance to prevent further damage to the party’s prospects in Scotland. The leadership of Sarwar and Baillie has come under significant scrutiny following the election. Scottish Labour MP Brian Leishman called for their resignation, criticizing the party’s lack of a coherent election strategy and accusing Sarwar of fostering a “cult of personality.” Leishman warned that without change, Labour risks “electoral oblivion” in Scotland, given the substantial gap between Labour and the SNP. Sarwar acknowledged his share of responsibility but attributed the result partly to a broader national trend against Labour. The outcome highlights ongoing challenges for Scottish Labour as it seeks to rebuild and redefine its position in a political landscape dominated by the SNP. The party’s future direction and leadership stability remain uncertain amid calls for reform and the need to respond to voter dissatisfaction. The Easdales’ backing provides some support for Sarwar but underscores the pressure on both Scottish and UK Labour to address internal divisions and electoral setbacks.