Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, has made a significant change to the party’s front bench by bringing back Claire Baker, one of the MSPs who defied him on the SNP Government’s gender recognition reforms. Baker has taken over the role of Transport spokesperson from fellow Fife MSP Alex Rowley after stepping down from the front bench in 2022. Her resignation followed her vote against a Bill aimed at making it easier for transgender individuals to legally change their gender, a move that went against Sarwar’s support for the Bill.
Despite the Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill passing, it was blocked by the then Tory Government using a Section 35 order, ultimately rendering the legislation ineffective. Baker, who also previously served as the party’s drugs spokesperson, had expressed concerns about the compatibility of the Bill with the Equality Act. In a recent interview with Holyrood magazine, Baker reflected on her decision regarding the GRR vote, highlighting her disappointment with the Scottish Government’s handling of the issue.
Currently, Baker holds the position of chair of the Labour group of MSPs and is a member of Holyrood’s governing corporate body. Her return to the front bench comes alongside South Scotland MSP Carol Mochan, another MSP who defied the party’s stance on the GRR but has since resumed her role as a spokesperson on public health. Ian Murray, Labour’s Scottish Secretary, has indicated that he will not reverse the decisions made by the previous administration in this regard.
An interesting contrast arose between Sarwar and Keir Starmer, the UK Labour Party leader, regarding the GRR Bill, with Starmer expressing scepticism towards the legislation. Despite their differences, Sarwar and Starmer maintained their respective stances on the issue, underscoring a divergence within the party on this matter. The dynamics of this situation reflect broader discussions within the Labour Party on various policy issues.
Baker’s reinstatement to the Scottish Labour front bench marks a significant development in the party’s internal dynamics and policy positions. The ongoing dialogue and decisions surrounding gender recognition reforms have highlighted divisions within the party, with different perspectives coming to the fore. As Sarwar reshapes the party’s front bench, it will be intriguing to observe how these developments influence Labour’s approach to key policy matters in Scotland and beyond.