Lennon takes on new role for Labour
She will also run for election in new constituency
Central Scotland Labour MSP Monica Lennon has been appointed her party’s new economy and fair work spokesperson.
The former health and social spokeswoman received 43 per cent of the vote in a leadership contest with Anas Sarwar.
New party leader Mr Sarwar unveiled his campaign cabinet to lead the party into the forthcoming Holyrood election and immediately appointed Ms Lennon to lead on the jobs brief.
As the party’s health spokeswoman since 2018, Ms Lennon helped to win a public inquiry into the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and the Royal Sick Kids in Edinburgh, secured weekly COVID testing for NHS staff and changed the law to win a social care staff support fund for healthcare staff forced to self-isolate during the pandemic.
She has been a vocal campaigner on drug and alcohol harm, mental health and women’s rights.
She also successfully proposed and passed the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act which makes free period products widely available to women and girls in Scotland.
Now she will contest the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse constituency seat currently held by the SNP’s minister for older people and equalities Christina McKelvie MSP.
She told the News this week: “The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses in our economy and continues to risk lives and livelihoods.
“In my economy and fair work role, I will be a champion for people and businesses who are struggling with lockdown and are worried about the future.
“Economic recovery from COVID-19 will be a major focus in the months and years ahead and I will work tirelessly to shape the recovery in the interests of working people.”
She added: “There are still far too many workers on low pay, exploitative contracts and without proper trade union recognition.
“Under the SNP and the Tories, too many workers and businesses are falling through the cracks.
“Protecting and creating jobs will be at the heart of Scottish Labour’s economic recovery plans and I am proud to be leading this work.
“I look forward being able to safely meet local workers and employers again, however, my virtual door is open in the meantime and I am here to help.”