Anas Sarwar: "Confident" Scottish Labour Will Oust SNP in 2026

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has expressed optimism about his party’s chances of forming the next Scottish government in 2026, despite acknowledging the challenges faced during the first seven months of Sir Keir Starmer’s UK government. Speaking to Sky News ahead of the Scottish Labour conference in Glasgow, Sarwar emphasized that the upcoming Holyrood elections in 2026 will present a clear choice for voters: continuing with the SNP’s "decline and incompetence" or opting for a fresh start under Scottish Labour.

Sarwar, a close ally of the UK Labour leader, acknowledged the difficulties his party has faced but remained steadfast in his belief that Scottish Labour is on track to make history by ending the SNP’s dominance in Scotland. He highlighted the progress made since the last general election, where Labour secured 37 out of 57 Scottish seats, a dramatic turnaround from having just one MP at the start of the previous parliament.

Polls and Challenges: A Rocky Road Ahead

Despite the momentum from last year’s general election, recent polls suggest Scottish Labour may face a tough battle in the 2026 Holyrood elections. A Notstat poll commissioned for The Sunday Times indicated that Sarwar’s party could struggle to overtake the Scottish Conservatives as the official opposition in Edinburgh. This comes amid a series of challenges, including the UK Labour government’s handling of winter fuel payments and ongoing controversies surrounding the treatment of Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners.

The SNP, currently in power, has been embroiled in its own crises, including a bitter leadership contest and a police investigation into financial misconduct involving senior figures. However, Scottish Labour’s progress has been hampered by internal and external pressures, raising questions about whether the party can capitalize on the SNP’s misfortunes. Sarwar has consistently argued that the focus should remain on the choice facing voters in 2026, framing the election as a crucial opportunity to move Scotland forward.

The Grangemouth Oil Refinery Controversy

One of the most significant challenges for Scottish Labour has been criticism over its handling of the impending closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery. Ahead of the general election, Sarwar pledged to "step in and save the jobs" by investing hundreds of millions of pounds. However, with redundancy notices being issued to around 400 workers, these promises have yet to materialize, leading to widespread frustration.

When pressed by Sky News on whether his pledges amounted to a "mistake," Sarwar expressed deep frustration but emphasized the need for urgent action from both the Scottish and UK governments. He avoided directly admitting fault, instead shifting the focus to the broader need for cooperation to address the crisis. This stance has drawn criticism, with some accusing the party of overpromising and underdelivering.

Leadership, Vision, and Proving Critics Wrong

Despite these setbacks, Sarwar remains undeterred. He has built his leadership on a track record of defying expectations, having proven pollsters and pundits wrong multiple times over the past four years. "I’ve been really open with Keir in private and in public that my objective, my plan, of course, was to help get rid of the Tories, of course, was to help elect a UK Labour government—but my ambition was to use the general election as a stepping stone to electing a Scottish Labour government here in 2026," he said.

Sarwar’s vision for Scotland is centered on moving beyond the SNP’s perceivedfailures and offering a more competent, compassionate alternative. He has repeatedly highlighted the importance of unity and collective action, both within his party and across the political spectrum. By framing the 2026 election as a historic opportunity for change, Sarwar hopes to rally support and overcome the skepticism that has grown in recent months.

The Road Ahead: Can Scottish Labour Deliver?

The road to victory in 2026 will not be easy for Scottish Labour. The party faces stiff competition from the Scottish Conservatives, who are currently polling ahead of Labour in some projections. Additionally, the ongoing controversies surrounding issues like the Grangemouth refinery and the WASPI women have dented public confidence in Labour’s ability to deliver on its promises.

However, Sarwar remains optimistic, arguing that the fundamental choice facing voters in 2026 is clear: more of the same under the SNP or a new direction with Scottish Labour. With less than a year to go until the Holyrood elections, Sarwar and his team will need to work tirelessly to regain momentum and convince voters that they are the right choice for Scotland’s future.

In conclusion, while the challenges are significant, Anas Sarwar’s confidence in Scottish Labour’s ability to oust the SNP in 2026 reflects his unwavering belief in his party’s vision for Scotland. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether that vision becomes a reality.