Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, who was among the first senior party figures to publicly call for Sir Keir Starmer to resign, has reportedly been given a role in the new Government being formed by Andy Burnham following Starmer's departure as prime minister. The appointment highlights the speed of the political turnaround since Starmer's exit, with a figure who campaigned against him now being drawn into his successor's administration, and raises questions about loyalty and reward within Labour's ranks.

The move comes amid a wider flurry of transition activity: Starmer has been pictured at a pub with Rachel Reeves as aides marked his departure wearing "Sparkle with Starmer" T-shirts, while Burnham has begun work from a "No10 North" office in Manchester, insisting it is "not a gimmick" despite a permanent base not opening until 2032. Burnham has also told his Cabinet they must always explain how policies will be funded, shortly after unveiling an £850million energy bills package that itself lacks a clear funding source, while separately the Tories are demanding Angela Rayner repay a £17,000 payoff after returning to her old job within 10 months.