Scottish Labour chief makes bold election prediction as PM's popularity plummets - The Mirror

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has insisted he can win 'in defiance' of Keir Starmer's national polling - and urged cabinet members to stay in London rather than campaign in Scotland

Labour's leader in Scotland insists he can still win - but is not in denial about how unpopular the UK Government is.

Anas Sarwar said he intends to become First Minister "in defiance" of his leader's national polling - and urged Keir Starmer not to get involved in campaigning. Mr Sarwar told BBC Radio 4's Today Programme: "On many measures he's doing a good job.

"But I'm not going to live in denial that for many people right now in the public, the Prime Minister of the UK government is not popular. And I'm going to be open with people and say I'm not going to stand for First Minister in Scotland in denial of that.

"I'm telling you that I believe I can win in defiance of it, because I am going to make this election about Scotland."

On whether he would welcome the PM or other Cabinet members campaigning ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May, he said: "I'm going to lead the election campaign.

"I'm our candidate for First Minister. This election is about Scotland and the best thing the Prime Minister can do, the cabinet can do, and government ministers across the UK can do, is be behind their doors, at their desks, changing outcomes for people across the country."

Pressed on polls putting him as fourth favourite to be the next First Minister - having previously led in the polls - Mr Sarwar said: "I'm not sure I've ever been the favorite, but I believe we will win the election in May.

"I'll tell you why. Because throughout the five years or almost five years I've been leader of the Scottish Labour Party, I've been told it can't survive. I've been told it can't come second in a local government election.

"I was told we couldn't help elect a UK government. We couldn't beat the Tories, we couldn't beat the SNP, we couldn't win the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election. We have done all of those things despite what pollsters, pundits in common to say."

In a speech earlier this week, Mr Sarwar said the Government's mistakes had made voters “angry, frustrated and impatient”. He said the Westminster leadership had failed to communicate their successes while making errors on issues like winter fuel payments.