Lennon v Sarwar for the Labour leadership
Monica steps up to take on Anas for top job
MONICA Lennon last night announced she will run for the Scottish Labour leadership – triggering a contest against Anas Sarwar. The pair are vying to replace Richard Leonard, who announced on Thursday he would step down from the role he has held since 2017. Lennon, 40, the party’s health spokeswoman said: “Following extensive discussions with party members, I’ve decided to put my name forward to lead the Scottish Labour Party. “The Scottish Parliament election will be a key moment in our democracy, when we decide what a Covid-19 recovery should look like.
“Scottish Labour Party members deserve to have their say about the best way to take forward our vision for a fairer and more equal Scotland.”
Prior to Lennon’s announcement, Sarwar , 37, had been the clear favourite after his campaign won the backing of several senior party figures.
The Glasgow MSP confirmed on Saturday that he wanted to take on the top job ahead of May’s Holyrood election.
Sarwar – who lost out to Leonard at the last Scottish Labour leadership contest in 2017 – has been endorsed by former leaders Jack McConnell and Iain Gray as well as the party’s sole MP, Ian Murray.
He was also backed by several MSPs, including James Kelly, Jenny Marra, Daniel Johnson and Claudia Beamish.
Sarwar said: “I’d like to thank all the members, supporters, councillors and parliamentarians who are backing my vision to rebuild Scottish Labour.
“Now more than ever, our country needs political leadership that will bring people together. I want to rebuild Scottish Labour, and then rebuild Scotland. That work starts now.”
Despite still being in her first term as an MSP, Lennon has become one of the best-known Labour figures at Holyrood.
She was promoted to health spokeswoman – replacing Sarwar – in 2018 and quickly made her mark.
Last year, a bill she introduced to Parliament – which makes period products free in Scotland – was passed into law.
Earlier this week bookies made Sarwar the evens favourite, with Lennon 4-1.