Scotland's biggest trade union has backed Monica Lennon to be the next Scottish Labour leader.
Unison credited the MSP's commitment to protecting public services for its endorsement.
It's the second trade union to declare its support for Lennon, after she was last week backed by Unite.
More than 80 per cent of Unison's members are women who work in a variety of roles, mainly in the public sector.
The union's Labour Link, which shared the endorsement, said: "The effectiveness of Monica’s support of the NHS and public services, and her obvious commitment to those working in them at this critical time show that she is the right person to take our Party and our country forward."
Lennon announced her intention to stand for the leadership earlier this month and will face a challenge from fellow MSP Anas Sarwar.
Party members will vote next month on who should lead them into May's Scottish Parliamentary elections, which is expected to return a landslide win for the SNP.
The leadership contest was trigged by Richard Leonard's sudden resignation.
Sarwar last week predicted he can become First Minister in five years if he wins the Scottish Labour leadership contest.
The Glasgow MSP believes securing second place at May’s Holyrood election would be a “staging post” to Labour entering Government in 2026.
In an interview with the Record, Sarwar also said it would be “huge moment for Scotland” if a Muslim became leader of a political party.
