Anas Sarwar has announced that he is joining Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Government as the new UK Minister of State for Trade.
Posting on his verified X account, Mr Sarwar said:
"I'm delighted to be joining Andy Burnham's Government as UK Minister of State for Trade."
In a letter published alongside the announcement, Mr Sarwar said it was "an honour" to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve and described the opportunity as one he "humbly" accepts after a career in public service.
Reflecting on his previous roles as an NHS dentist, Member of Parliament, Member of the Scottish Parliament and Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, he said the United Kingdom faced significant challenges but also enormous opportunities for economic growth through trade and investment.
Mr Sarwar praised Mr Burnham's record as Mayor of Greater Manchester, writing that he had seen how the Prime Minister had worked "to empower communities, to deliver change, to bring jobs and economic growth through working with businesses." He added that he wanted to help replicate that success across every part of the United Kingdom.
He also paid tribute to his colleagues in Scottish Labour, saying he was "hugely proud" of the party's progress during his five years as leader. Mr Sarwar highlighted the party's recovery from one Member of Parliament in 2019 to 37 MPs following the 2024 General Election, describing it as the result of rebuilding and renewing the party.
Looking ahead, Mr Sarwar said Britain's future depended on unlocking the country's entrepreneurial talent, strengthening relationships with trading partners around the world and creating jobs through international trade.
His appointment forms part of Prime Minister Andy Burnham's ministerial reshuffle as the new Government continues to assemble its ministerial team.
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