Labour ‘will not stand pro-indy candidates’

ANAS Sarwar has rejected claims Labour could stand pro-independence candidates in the next General Election.

The Scottish Labour leader dismissed suggestions that those who support breaking up the UK could be allowed to run under his leadership.

On Sunday, sources close to Sir Keir Starmer claimed putting forward candidates who backed separation could help Labour secure more seats. However, Mr Sarwar insisted those hoping to be elected will stand under his belief that Scotland should remain in the UK.

Speaking yesterday, he said: ‘Decisions on selecting candi

‘In Scotland, I’m in charge’

dates in Scotland, even for a General Election, are made by the Scottish Labour Party alone.

‘We will be standing on a platform which is about reforming and renewing the UK, which, yes, is about pushing power out of Westminster and into the nations and regions of the UK, but also pushing it out of Holyrood and into local communities.’

It came after a source close to Sir Keir told The Sunday Times there did not have to be a ‘binary position’ on the constitution. Mr Sarwar said despite his ‘close relationship’ with Sir Keir and officials in London ‘when it comes to Scotland, I’m in charge’.