Labour leadership hopefuls rule out ‘unionist coalition’ with Tories

Anas Sarwar and Monica Lennon have both ruled out joining a “unionist coalition” after Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said he is willing to work with other parties to take on the SNP.

Mr Sarwar and Ms Lennon, who will face off to become Scottish Labour leader after nominations closed yesterday, declined an offer from the Tory boss to work together ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May.

Former Labour leader Richard Leonard, who resigned from the post last week following months of speculation about his future, refused to work with the Conservatives on previous campaigns.

Mr Ross said yesterday he would be willing to be part of a coalition to take on the SNP and halt the push towards a second referendum on Scottish independence.

He said on Twitter: “If it means stopping the SNP and their push for Indyref2, I would be part of a unionist coalition. The last Scottish Labour leader wouldn’t work with us. Will you @Anassarwar @Monicalennon7?”

Mr Sarwar was the first to decline the offer and said he would instead focus on rebuilding the country.

He said: “No, I won’t. A quarter of Scottish kids are growing up in poverty while you and the SNP divide our country. Instead I will focus on bringing people together and rebuilding our country – not a return to the divisive politics of old.”

Ms Lennon responded to the offer from Mr Ross, who has a second job as a professional football referee, just minutes later and said while it was “very flattering”, it would be a “red card” from her.

She added: “See you on the campaign trail where we’ll be fighting for radical social and economic change, not a political agenda that looks after the wealthy few.”

The two Scottish Labour leadership hopefuls have vowed they will make decisions independent of the UK party.

Both candidates reiterated their opposition to a second independence referendum, saying they would rather focus on rebuilding the country after the pandemic.

Monica Lennon.