Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar set to become a minister in Burnham’s government

SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said: “This is a terrible look for Andy Burnham, who has waxed poetic about a new policy and devolution of power – he has pulled off the most undemocratic stunt in the Westminster book.

“Anas Sarwar has led Scottish Labor to its worst-ever election defeat, but as always with Labor, there is always a comfortable number in the House of Lords.

“What a great signal to send after the democratic defeat – Labor literally dominates the people of Scotland.”

Thomas Kerr, Reform England’s deputy leader for Scotland, said: “Just weeks ago Anas Sarwar stood before the people of Glasgow, asking for their trust and insisting his future was in Scotland. “Today those same voters will rightly feel betrayed.

“Throughout the election campaign he denied suggestions that he had other ambitions and claimed his focus was on serving Scotland.

“Now he has walked away from the people who trusted him at the first opportunity.”