FORMER Scottish Labour leadership contender Monica Lennon has not ruled out a second bid for the position after Anas Sarwar quits Holyrood to join the House of Lords.
On Tuesday, it emerged that Sarwar would be resigning as both a Scottish Labour MSP and group leader in order to take a UK Government position under Andy Burnham, as well as a life peerage. It came despite Sarwar previously ruling out resigning or entering the Lords.
His exit from Holyrood means that Labour’s next choice on the Glasgow regional list will automatically take his place as an MSP. As such Lennon, who ran against Sarwar for the Scottish Labour leadership in 2021, is set to re-enter parliament.
Speaking to the Daily Record, Lennon said it would be a “huge honour and privilege” to become an MSP for Glasgow (she previously represented Central Scotland), adding: “If I had the opportunity to go back to Parliament, I would absolutely welcome that.”
Asked about a potential leadership contest to replace Sarwar, she said: “I am not going to rule myself out of anything right now. I want to respect other colleagues and hear what they have to say.”
Asked if Labour members had urged her to stand, Lennon said: “Yes – this has all been happening quite quickly. Lots of people have been getting in touch, including today, which is very kind and I am very flattered.”
Lennon was seen as the left-wing candidate in the 2021 leadership race which she lost to the more right-leaning Sarwar.
This time, Labour MSPs Paul Sweeney and Michael Marra – a close ally of Sarwar – have been tipped as other potential contenders.
Sarwar’s exit from Holyrood has been widely criticised within Scottish Labour.
One Labour official on the party’s ruling Scottish Executive Committee told The National he had been a “failure as leader”, while a second said his decision to switch to the Lords was “shameful”.
Other Labour sources told media that Sarwar had been “selfish” and “finally found a way into government that didn’t require Scottish voters”.
Another said: “Two election defeats. Zero political nous. And now a seat in the Lords and a ministerial job. Anas Sarwar’s political career is a masterclass in failing upwards.”
