The SNP has criticised Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar following his change in position on Keir Starmer and raised questions about his past association with Peter Mandelson.
The comments come after Mr Sarwar distanced himself from Sir Keir Starmer despite backing him days earlier.
The SNP said Mr Sarwar previously described Lord Mandelson as his “old friend” in a post on X in April 2025 and shared a photograph of them together.
Lord Mandelson has faced scrutiny over past associations with Jeffrey Epstein, whose conviction was a matter of public record.
The SNP also referenced reports of Lord Mandelson attending Scottish Labour events and campaign activities.
The party further raised questions about Mr Sarwar’s handling of matters relating to Pam Duncan-Glancy and her acknowledged friendship with former councillor Sean Morton.
Commenting, SNP MP Kirsty Blackman said:
“Anas Sarwar would sell his own granny.
“His latest U-turn reeks of desperation, hypocrisy and opportunism and raises serious questions about his own role in the Peter Mandelson scandal and the appalling personal judgement he continues to show to this day.
“Mr Sarwar can’t get off the hook.
“He bragged about Mandelson being an ‘old friend’ despite knowing his close links to Jeffrey Epstein, the world’s most notorious convicted paedophile, were a matter of public record.
If Starmer must go, why shouldn’t Sarwar?
“And, once again, it raises questions about Mr Sarwar’s continued inaction over the Scottish Labour Party MSP who maintains links with twice-convicted paedophile and former Scottish Labour Party councillor Sean Morton.
“Why is Mr Sarwar refusing to remove the Labour Party whip?
“When did he first find out about the links with Morton and do they continue to this day?
“Anas Sarwar tied his leadership to Keir Starmer.
“He rolled over and made excuses for every damaging decision Starmer imposed on Scotland from the cuts to the winter fuel payment and disabled people, to the betrayal of the WASPI women, and Labour’s tax hikes and austerity cuts.
“He can’t suddenly pretend it had nothing to do with him.
“If Starmer should take responsibility and quit, why shouldn’t Sarwar?
“And why did he fail to apologise to the victims for his own misjudgements?
“For people in Scotland the choice is clear.
“Only John Swinney can be trusted to stand up for Scotland and only a vote for the SNP on 7th May can ensure Scotland escapes the constant chaos of Westminster control and secures a fresh start with independence.”
