Hopefuls in one last bid to secure votes for leadership

THE Scottish Labour leadership contest is drawing to a close today with the winner being announced on Saturday.

Only two candidates stepped forward for the job Anas Sarwar and Monica Lennon.

Both MSPs have just one full day left to secure those last votes to replace Richard Leonard and attempt to steer the party back to success in May’s Holyrood election.

Sarwar and Lennon have attempted to dodge the heated clashes of previous leadership battles, knowing whoever wins has a big job ahead to convince Scots to support a party which was previously viewed as the natural party of government.

That all changed with the rise of the SNP and, more recently, their eclipse at Holyrood by the Scottish Conservatives.

In their final pitches, both candidates told the Record what they hope to do to get the party back on track.

Lennon has been instrumental in pushing forward landmark legislation to get free period products supplied in Scotland, something she highlights in her CV for the top job.

Sarwar has focused on attempts to reunite the party while trying to resist any move towards another independence referendum.

Leonard quit in January, days after saying he was determined to fight for every vote in the election this May.

The Central Scotland MSP said: “This was not an easy decision but after three years, I feel it is the right one for me and for the party.”

HOW to put a smile on your face during lockdown – win £125,000 on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

That’s what happened to Ray Mann from Musselburgh and the retired taxi-driver says it was nerve-wracking.

Too late now, but he should have spun his seat round and talked with his back to Jeremy Clarkson…

Another big-bucks story as Paul Newman’s Rolex sold at auction for £251,000.

A very snazzy watch, I’m told he used to show it off to admirers by saying: “Cool hands – look…” PS. Diego Maradona’s 1992 Porsche is expected to fetch £200,000 at auction.

The car’s only worth 50 grand, but you’ll never guess what they found stashed in the glove compartment …