MSP Monica nominated for Politician of the Year award

A former Hamilton councillor who was elected to the Scottish Parliament last year has been nominated for a prestigious politician of the year award in the‘one to watch’ category.

The annual Scottish Politician of the Year Awards started in 1999 and the‘one to Watch’ category recognises MSPS who have the potential to rise through the ranks of their party or make an impact at Holyrood.

Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon was appointed as Shadow Minister on Inequalities by then leader Kezia Dugdale, who was the award winner in 2013.

Ms Lennon has campaigned on period poverty and is seeking to change the law on access to sanitary products.

She has also championed better mental health services and was praised by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon when she broke her silence on the death of her father due to alcoholism, to call for a‘national conversation’ on the stigma around addiction and the effect harmful drinking has on families across the country.

She was also hailed for her‘forensic’skills on the Scottish Parliament’s powerful Public Audit Committee.

Ms Lennon reckons serving her constituents is reward enough but is delighted to have been nominated for the prestigious award.

She said:“it’s an honour to receive recognition for campaigns and causes that are important to my constituents.

“Whether it is using my voice in Parliament against the Whitehill incinerator or speaking up for those humiliated by period poverty, my constituents across the Central Scotland region are always my source of inspiration and being able to serve them is the biggest accolade of all.”