Monica Lennon, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP), has voiced strong criticism of the Labour Party's leadership contest process, alleging it is "stuck in the past" and "reeks of misogyny" after her bid to enter the race fell short. Lennon failed to secure the required nominations from three MSPs and three MPs to make the ballot, leaving the contest as a two-way race between Michael Marra and Joe Fagan.
Lennon received nominations from three MSPs, including herself and Carol Mochan. However, she only garnered support from two MPs, which was insufficient to meet the nomination criteria. In a statement released on Monday, Lennon asserted that the party is not adequately listening to its members, the broader movement, or the Scottish public.
She called for the leadership contest to foster a wide-ranging debate focused on courage, humility, and imagination, aiming to modernize the party for workers and working-class communities. Lennon emphasized the importance of the party embodying values such as fair work, a healthy planet, and the shared struggle for women's and LGBTQ+ rights. She also advocated for open engagement on Scotland's position within the UK and the global community.
Lennon urged the next leader to "lead with decency and act with courage." She had previously expressed similar sentiments earlier in the month, criticizing unnamed party figures and describing the process as indicative of "male entitlement."
Joe Fagan, who was elected to Holyrood for the first time in May, secured the backing of seven MPs and five MSPs. Michael Marra, the party's finance spokesperson, is considered the front-runner, having received support from 24 MPs and seven MSPs. The final selection will be made through a ballot of members and affiliated supporters, which opens on August 28 and closes on September 17, with the winner announced on September 19.
Marra acknowledged Lennon as "one of the most formidable and effective campaigners the Labour movement has" and stated his intention to unite the party, rediscover its core identity, and reconnect with Scotland. Fagan aims to rebuild Scottish Labour as the party of working people, emphasizing community roots and a commitment to using power to improve lives.
SNP MSP Collette Stevenson echoed some of Lennon's criticisms, accusing Scottish Labour of silencing trade unions and using underhand tactics. Stevenson suggested that the party had denied the Scottish people a democratic choice by preventing Lennon from appearing on the ballot, characterizing the contest as descending into infighting and attacks.