Starmer’s unpopularity was insurmountable for Scottish Labour – and a boon for Reform

Facing public apathy and frustration, Labour and Reform UK tie for second place behind the SNP while Greens claim a ‘seismic’ fourth place

Long before the final votes were counted in Scotland, veteran Labour politicians said it was a defeat made in Downing Street.

When the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, strode into the Glasgow count arena on Friday afternoon flanked by sombre-faced activists, the scene was a mirror image to the same venue in 2024, when his resurgent party won 36 seats from the Scottish National party, playing a significant part in Keir Starmer’s landslide victory.