Don't let Farage and Reform divide us, Labour's Sarwar urges Holyrood leaders

"If we think the next parliament is all about shouting about Nigel Farage, that only serves the purpose of those who want to use politics to divide us. We need the parliament to make sure it's actually getting things done for people in Scotland, and that's holding the SNP government to account and making sure they deliver the promises that they make. I don't believe Reform can do that, I don't think it's their intention to do that."

"And it's my intention, working with other political parties who share those same views, to make sure there is a credible opposition that holds the SNP's feet to the fire. The results mean Reform's Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, now has the right to ask the opening questions at first minister's questions, while Reform could get committee convenership posts."

"Speaking for the first time since he conceded defeat on Friday, Sarwar said he did not believe it was Reform's intention to do anything more than create division, and he said he would work with other political parties in the Scottish parliament that shared his views. Interviewed on BBC Scotland's Sunday Show, Sarwar refused to be drawn on speculation about Keir Starmer's future as Labour leader and batted away questions about his own position, saying: I've got a job to do and I intend to do it."

"The SNP is seven seats short of a majority, meaning it will have to rely on other parties to pass legislation. While the Scottish National party won a fifth successive Holyrood victory and ended up with 58 MSPs, Labour had its worst result since devolution in 1999, tying for second place with Reform UK as both parties secured 17 MSPs."

Anas Sarwar warned Scottish political leaders against focusing the next Holyrood parliament on Nigel Farage. He said his role is to ensure a credible opposition that holds the SNP government to account and presses it to deliver promises. Sarwar said he does not believe Reform’s intention is to do more than create division, and he plans to work with other parties that share his views. He declined to speculate about Keir Starmer’s future and emphasized he has a job to do. The SNP won a fifth consecutive victory with 58 MSPs, while Labour suffered its worst result since 1999, tying Reform with 17 MSPs each. Reform’s Malcolm Offord will ask opening questions at first minister’s questions, and Reform may gain committee convenership posts. The SNP lacks a majority and will need support from other parties to pass legislation.

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