DOUGLAS Alexander deployed his aides to guard a meeting of Scottish Labour MPs in an apparent attempt to prevent media briefings as his party sought to resolve a schism over the Prime Minister’s position.
Scottish Labour MPs, including Energy Minister Michael Shanks and party grandee Willie Haughey, gathered in Westminster on Tuesday to discuss the divisions caused by Anas Sarwar’s call for Keir Starmer to quit.
MPs were unusually tight-lipped leaving the meeting and none briefed the media on exiting the event, with staffers to the Scottish Secretary positioned outside to watch over journalists.
One MP who spoke to the media was Gordon McKee, who insisted: “We’re united.”
Asked whether the party was united behind Starmer or Sarwar, McKee left by an elevator.
Not in attendance were Imogen Walker, the wife of Starmer’s former chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley, or former Scottish secretary Ian Murray, who was fired by Starmer last year.
Overheard from outside the room and in an apparent rebuke to Johanna Baxter’s accusation of “treachery” on Sarwar's part, Health Minister Zubir Ahmed insisted his colleagues be “mindful of our language when criticising anyone especially a person of colour”.
The Glasgow South West MP could also be overheard saying that Sarwar had come “from a place of sincerity” in calling on Starmer to step down and was heard saying the Scottish Labour leader was “the best candidate” for first minister.
READ MORE: John Curtice gives verdict as Anas Sarwar calls for Keir Starmer to resign
Edinburgh South West MP Scott Arthur could be heard saying that Sarwar’s intervention was “a step in the wrong direction”, though stressed he had “huge respect for Anas”. He could also be heard expressing his frustration on behalf of the “the vast majority of us” who had “stayed loyal”.
John Grady, the MP for Glasgow East, could be heard saying Scottish Labour must be focused on “knocking out the real enemy which is the SNP”.
One MP, who could not be identified by their voice, said Sarwar’s call was a “huge misstep” and said the party should “look at the circumstances which led to that”.
Another unidentifiable attendee said: “I think everybody in this room is in a better position than we were last year. We support Keir we respect Anas.
“This cannot be about Scottish Labour versus British labour. Let's take this as a blip and make the most of it.”
Alexander spoke both at the top and the end of the meeting but could not be made out from outside the room.
Speaking after Sarwar’s press conference on Monday, Alexander said: “Anas has reached his own decision and I respect that.”
He added: “The Prime Minster has recognised not just that lessons have to be learned but also that we change how we do government. He is right about that and has my full support.”
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