Scottish Labour leadership battle is not yet decided, say Sarwar backers
THE Scottish Labour leadership race will “go to the wire” on Saturday, Anas Sarwar’s campaign has insisted, despite receiving pledges from less than a quarter of the electorate.
After a slow start bogged down in rows about his wealth and private school choice, the centrist MSP is back in contention as the contest to succeed Kezia Dugdale enters its final week, supporters claimed.
Labour MSP Pauline McNeill, co-chair of Mr Sarwar’s campaign, said more than 8,000 members and affiliated supporters had pledged to back him, with phone banks speaking to a 400 people a day for the past fortnight.
Around 35,000 people have a vote in the contest, and based on previous races more than 70 per cent are like to participate.
Ms McNeill MSP said turnout would be “critical”
with all evidence pointing to a close result.
She said: “There is no doubt that this contest is going to be close – it will go to the wire.
“This final week of campaigning is crucial, and turnout could well decide the result.
“My message to every member and trade union supporter is: don’t sit this one out.”
Mr Sarwar’s left-wing rival, Richard Leonard, thanked Labour members for their support and urged those who had yet to cast their vote to do so.