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Sarwar’s election prospects uncertain after recent strategy shift

Earlier this week, the leader of the Scottish Labour party made a significant political move, urging the prime minister to resign.

Anas Sarwar's call for Sir Keir Starmer's resignation has significantly impacted the Scottish Parliament election campaign, introducing a new dynamic to the race.

Anas Sarwar standing in front of a saltire background with the words 'Scotland's choice' in blue writing next to his head. He is wearing a dark suit over a white shirt and a red tied and is standing behind a podium. — Anas Sarwar publicly called for Sir Keir Starmer to stand down on Tuesday

Prior to this development, Scottish Labour's poll numbers had stagnated, leaving the party far from contention for the top spot.

With the election just three months away, Sarwar's move can be seen as a high-stakes attempt to revitalize his party's chances, akin to a last-ditch effort in American football.

This bold strategy marks a turning point in the campaign, where the party must now commit fully to its new direction.

As the election approaches, politicians at Holyrood are assessing the implications of Sarwar's decision and considering how other parties might respond to this shift in the campaign's trajectory.

Immediately following Sarwar's press conference, Starmer's cabinet members took to social media to express their support for the prime minister, demonstrating a coordinated effort to counter Sarwar's move.

In contrast, the response from Scottish Labour members was more subdued, with some offering their backing in a trickle of statements and tweets.

A small group of Sarwar's colleagues attended the press conference, while others later voiced their support when questioned by journalists in Holyrood's garden lobby.

It has become clear that Sarwar's decision was not the result of a carefully planned strategy, but rather a spontaneous move.

The outcome of this move has not prompted any potential leadership challengers to emerge at Westminster, and the Welsh Labour leader ultimately threw their support behind the prime minister.

The aftermath of Sarwar's announcement saw MSPs arriving at Holyrood on Tuesday with a sense of uncertainty.

Sarwar himself was absent, reportedly working in the community, and his colleagues seemed reluctant to engage with the media or draw attention to themselves.

During topical questions, only three Labour MSPs were present in the chamber, although their numbers increased to six later in the day as the parliament debated legislative amendments.

This relatively low attendance is not unusual, given the current practice of contributing and voting remotely, which allows members to spend more time in their constituencies.

Sir Keir Starmer, left, wearing a dark suit over a white shirt and a pink tie. Anas Sarwar, right, wearing a white shirt with a red tie and dark blue trousers. Both are waving while standing in front of a red background. — Starmer and Sarwar at a Scottish Labour campaign event in 2024

Labour's Neil Bibby, for example, shared a photo of himself campaigning in Paisley, highlighting the importance of local engagement.

The difficulties faced by Labour canvassers, who have been confronted by voters dissatisfied with the UK government's actions, particularly regarding Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein, have contributed to Sarwar's decision.

By distancing himself from the UK government, Sarwar appears to be attempting to redirect the focus away from Labour's association with an unpopular administration.

This move may allow Labour to shift the attention of disaffected voters towards the Scottish government, rather than the UK one, potentially creating an opportunity for the party to regain traction.

Labour MSPs were quick to enumerate their grievances with the UK administration, citing issues such as winter fuel payments, welfare reforms, and the treatment of Waspi women.

Prior to Sarwar's announcement, Labour had been struggling to gain momentum, with polls suggesting the party was vying with Reform UK for second place, rather than challenging the SNP for the top spot.

Sarwar released a campaign video on social media, reiterating his commitment to prioritizing the country's interests over party loyalty.

The video's messaging, which emphasized the importance of putting Scotland first, was reminiscent of the SNP's "stronger for Scotland" slogan, and the press conference's backdrop featured a prominent Saltire banner.

It is expected that digital messaging will play a significant role in Labour's campaign strategy going forward.

However, it is worth noting that the UK party has been financing this effort thus far, raising questions about the potential for continued support.

According to Google's Ad Transparency library, the UK party has spent at least £65,000 on Scottish-specific ads over the past couple of months, featuring Sarwar prominently.

In contrast, the Scottish Labour account has only run a single ad during this period, with a maximum spend of £200.

The sustainability of this level of support from the UK party HQ is uncertain, although Sarwar may be counting on the prime minister's vested interest in the election's outcome to maintain funding.

On Tuesday afternoon, the prime minister reaffirmed his support for Sarwar, describing him as an "incredible" potential first minister, despite their apparent differences.

Meanwhile, other parties at Holyrood are observing the developments with interest, sensing potential opportunities in the uncertainty.

John Swinney wearing a hi-viz jacket and a white hard hat standing in front of a construction project. — John Swinney criticised Starmer over his handling of recent events

Sarwar's move has introduced an element of unpredictability to the campaign, which may have far-reaching consequences.

The SNP, in particular, may find it advantageous to keep the current prime minister in place, as they seek to position themselves as the anti-Starmer vote.

However, the party is increasingly confident that the situation will ultimately benefit them, regardless of the outcome, as a potential leadership vacuum at Westminster could lead to a messy and divisive contest.

John Swinney has previously adopted a cautious approach, criticizing Starmer without explicitly calling for his resignation.

The first minister has largely maintained a distance from the issue, allowing Westminster leader Stephen Flynn to take on a more confrontational role.

Nevertheless, the SNP's strategy may shift in response to the evolving situation, as senior figures become increasingly confident that Sarwar's move will ultimately backfire.

Malcolm Offord and Nigel Farage on stage at a Reform UK event in Scotland — Refrom are polling strongly in Scotland's traditional Labour heartlands

Some within the party are even speculating about the possibility of a "two-horse race" between the SNP and Reform UK, as Labour's fortunes continue to decline.

Nigel Farage's party has recently made gains in areas such as West Lothian, where the Labour vote has collapsed, and has polled strongly in former Labour strongholds in Fife and around Glasgow.

The Scottish Conservatives, meanwhile, are struggling to gain traction, and are eager for any development that might alter the campaign's dynamics.

The Scottish Greens are also seeking to capitalize on the situation, having tabled a Holyrood motion calling for the prime minister's resignation and challenging Labour members to support it.

Scottish Labour's goal is to refocus the campaign on devolved issues, untangling themselves from the perceived liabilities of the UK government, which Sarwar has described as a "distraction."

The party is scheduled to lead two debates in the Holyrood chamber on Wednesday, focusing on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and community policing issues.

However, Anas Sarwar's presence at these debates may shift attention away from the topics at hand and towards the recent developments in Westminster, where he has been involved.

Sarwar's strategy likely involves making his move early enough to allow the current discussions to subside by the time the official campaign begins, thereby minimizing the need to defend the UK government's actions.

Alternatively, he may be positioning himself to capitalize on potential future developments, such as the outcome of the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Nevertheless, events can quickly disrupt even the most carefully laid plans, and within a 24-hour period, Sarwar found himself realigning with the UK leadership.

Pam Duncan-Glancy, who has shoulder-length red hair, looks off to the left of the camera. She is wearing a turquoise white top and is in a wheelchair. — Pam Duncan-Glancy has already announced her intention to stand down from Holyrood

Following months of scrutiny, Labour ultimately withdrew the whip from MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy due to her ongoing association with convicted sex offender Sean Morton, a decision that coincided with similar action taken against Matthew Doyle in the House of Lords.

Despite efforts to distinguish itself, the Scottish Labour party utilizes the same independent complaints process as its UK counterpart, which has led to the suspension of both Duncan-Glancy and Doyle while their cases are investigated.

As the May election approaches, with its focus on Holyrood, it is essential to remember that Westminster events still hold significance.

Voters maintain strong opinions on various issues, including immigration, foreign affairs, and independence, all of which are intertwined with intergovernmental dynamics.

Furthermore, the public will inevitably have an opinion on who should occupy the office of prime minister.

By taking his recent stance, Sarwar aimed to align himself more closely with the views expressed by a significant portion of the electorate in polls and conversations with politicians.

The success of Sarwar's gamble will ultimately be determined when voters cast their ballots in the upcoming election.

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Aberdeen to unveil new manager soon with Docherty set to take assistant role

Aberdeen has bolstered its interim management team with the return of Tony Docherty, who previously served as an assistant manager, to support Peter Leven, amid anticipation of a permanent appointment announcement that sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel had indicated would be made “imminently”.

Ross County parted ways with Tony Docherty in December, and he has now taken on a new role.

Aberdeen have brought in former assistant manager Tony Docherty to support Peter Leven's interim management team, despite sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel indicating that a permanent appointment was imminent.

Docherty's return to Aberdeen comes just a week after Eirik Horneland, a former coach of Rosenborg, Brann, and Saint-Etienne, emerged as a top contender to succeed Jimmy Thelin, who was sacked earlier.

As Aberdeen delays making a full-time appointment, speculation surrounding Eirik Horneland's availability has arisen, with reports suggesting the 50-year-old Norwegian may not be able to take on the role until summer.

Since Jimmy Thelin's dismissal on January 4, Lutz Pfannenstiel has been leading the search for a replacement, and he confirmed that Tony Docherty would be joining the team to assist Peter Leven during the interim period.

Dundee Utd are facing a challenging schedule, with four matches in 14 days set to take place on a weather-affected pitch.

According to Stavrum, Eirik Horneland's coaching style, characterized by intensity, would be a good fit for Aberdeen.

Tony Docherty initially joined Aberdeen in 2013 as part of Derek McInnes' management team and spent eight years at the club.

Before his stint at Aberdeen, Docherty served as McInnes' assistant at Kilmarnock and later managed Dundee and Ross County, but his time at Ross County ended in December when he was let go with the team at the bottom of the Championship.

Lutz Pfannenstiel praised Tony Docherty's experience, stating that he has a deep understanding of the club and will be a valuable asset during the transition period.

Pfannenstiel highlighted Docherty's extensive knowledge of the Scottish Premiership, gained through his experience as both a coach and manager, which will be beneficial to the team in the short term.

The club's managerial search is nearing its conclusion, and an announcement regarding the new head coach is expected soon, according to Pfannenstiel.

Peter Leven, who is serving as caretaker manager for the third time, expressed his enthusiasm for Tony Docherty's appointment.

Leven welcomed Docherty's return, stating that his experience will be a significant boost to the team, particularly during the upcoming matches.

Leven noted that Docherty was eager to join the team and that his presence will provide valuable support during both training sessions and matches.

Eirik Horneland left his position at Saint-Etienne in early February, at which point his team was fourth in France's second tier.

If Aberdeen decides to wait until summer for Horneland to take over, it will be similar to the six-month delay that occurred when Jimmy Thelin joined the club from Elfsborg in the summer of 2024.

For the latest news, analysis, and fan perspectives on Aberdeen, visit our dedicated page.

News

Peter Murrell faces allegations of misusing £459,000 in funds over 12 years

Allegations have been made that he bought various items, such as luxury goods, jewellery, cosmetics, two cars and a motorhome, in an improper manner.

Peter Murrell, the former chief executive of the Scottish National Party, is facing allegations of embezzling £459,000 from the party over a 12-year period.

Peter Murrell looking off to his right while sitting in a room. He is wearing a black suit, white shirt and dark coloured tie. — Peter Murrell is due to appear in court next Friday for a preliminary hearing

An indictment document obtained by BBC News outlines the case against Murrell, who is the estranged husband of former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The alleged embezzlement is said to have occurred between August 2010 and January 2023, according to the indictment.

It is claimed that Murrell used party funds to purchase luxury items, including jewellery, cosmetics, and vehicles, such as two cars and a motorhome.

The Scottish Sun was the first to report on the details of the indictment.

A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled to take place at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, 20 February, where Murrell is expected to appear.

During his initial court appearance at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murrell made no plea and was subsequently granted bail.

Murrell's arrest in 2023 was part of Operation Branchform, a police investigation into the SNP's funding and finances, which led to him being charged with embezzlement in April 2024.

A police van and a police officer outside Murrell's home in April 2023. — Murrell was arrested in 2023 as part of a probe into the SNP's finances

Although Sturgeon was questioned by police as part of the investigation, she is no longer considered a suspect.

BBC News has obtained a copy of the indictment against Murrell ahead of his upcoming court appearance.

It is worth noting that the indictment is subject to change until the case is heard in court and may be amended throughout the judicial process.

The indictment alleges that Murrell purchased a £124,550 motorhome for personal use and created false documents to justify the expense as a legitimate party expenditure.

Murrell is also accused of using £57,500 of party funds to buy a Jaguar I-PACE car in 2019, and falsifying an invoice to conceal the true nature of the purchase.

Furthermore, it is alleged that when the Jaguar was sold in 2021, Murrell deposited more than £47,000 into his personal bank account.

The indictment also claims that Murrell embezzled £16,489 from the SNP to partially fund the purchase of a Volkswagen Golf in 2016.

A list of over 80 retailers is included in the indictment, where Murrell allegedly made purchases totalling more than £159,000 between 2014 and 2022, using party credit or charge cards for personal expenses.

The retailers named in the indictment include Harrods, the Royal Mint, John Lewis, Homebase, and Argos, among others.

It is alleged that Murrell used SNP credit or charge cards to make these purchases and then inserted false or inaccurate accounting codes and descriptions into the party's accounting systems.

The indictment also accuses Murrell of making purchases worth over £81,600 through Amazon using the same method.

Murrell served as the SNP's chief executive for 22 years before his departure.

Murrell and Sturgeon were married in 2010, but announced their separation in January 2025, after being together for many years.

News

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Wins Landslide in Country’s First Poll Since Youth-Led Protests

The public is looking forward to a shift back to democratic governance, following a 15-year period of authoritarian leadership by Sheikh Hasina.

In a significant shift in the country's political landscape, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has achieved a decisive majority in parliament, 18 months after widespread protests led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister.

Supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) show a victory sign in front of a banner with Tarique Rahman’s photo, as the results project BNP's victory in the 13th general election, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, February 13, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain — Tarique Rahman has been out of the country for 17 years. He has promised democracy will be restored

The BNP secured over two-thirds of the seats in the recent general election, with the Jamaat party, the main Islamist party in the country, coming in second; meanwhile, the Awami League, led by Hasina, was not allowed to participate in the election.

As the BNP's leader, Tarique Rahman is poised to become the next prime minister, facing significant challenges in revitalizing the economy and restoring democratic principles after 15 years of authoritarian rule under Hasina's leadership.

In a concurrent referendum, voters also expressed support for comprehensive democratic reforms, which are expected to shape the country's future.

Following Friday prayers in Dhaka, Tarique Rahman expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating, "I am grateful for the love you have shown me"; his party has chosen not to hold a victory procession.

Rahman, who was elected to parliament for the first time, was among the 212 successful BNP candidates; according to the Election Commission, voter turnout was 59.44%.

This marks a significant turnaround for Rahman, who spent 17 years in self-imposed exile in London before taking over as party leader after his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, passed away in December.

During his campaign, Rahman pledged to restore democratic principles and practices in the country.

The new government will need to address pressing issues, including economic revitalization, controlling rising food prices, and creating employment opportunities for the country's large youth population.

Rebuilding relations with neighboring India is also a key priority for the incoming government.

In the aftermath of his victory, Rahman received a congratulatory call from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who acknowledged his "remarkable victory".

Modi took to social media to reaffirm India's commitment to promoting peace, progress, and prosperity in both countries, citing their deep historical and cultural ties.

Although the BNP has pledged to bring about change, the party has faced criticism in the past for corruption and alleged human rights abuses during its previous tenure in government in the early 2000s.

The recent election represents a pivotal moment for the country, with one of the two main parties achieving a significant victory, presenting both opportunities and risks.

Proposed constitutional reforms include introducing term limits for the prime minister, establishing a directly elected upper house of parliament, strengthening presidential powers, and increasing judicial independence.

The reforms also aim to increase female representation in parliament, an area where significant progress is still needed, as evidenced by the limited number of successful female candidates in the recent election.

As the newly elected leader, Tarique Rahman will face intense scrutiny as he works to deliver on his promises to a predominantly young electorate eager for change, many of whom participated in the student-led protests that ultimately led to Hasina's removal and paved the way for the February 12 election.