MONICA Lennon has warned Scottish Labour against “punching down on trans people” after failing to make the ballot in the leadership race to succeed Anas Sarwar.
After nominations closed at 10am on Monday, the party confirmed that Scottish finance spokesperson Michael Marra and Joe Fagan, a former council leader who was elected as an MSP for the South of Scotland in May, have met the threshold required to be eligible for the ballot.
Lennon, who lost her seat at Holyrood in May, and takes up the list place vacated by Lord Sarwar, had hoped to run, but did not have the necessary support.
Speaking after the ballot closed, she said the party is “stuck in the past” and not listening to all of its members.
But she also used her statement to warn her party against “punching down” on trans people.
Marra and Fagan have publicly said that Scottish Labour made a mistake in backing the Scottish Government's gender reforms.
“We are not listening to all of our members, the wider movement that built us or the millions of Scots who won’t vote for us,” Lennon said.
“This leadership contest should have been a wide debate, rooted in courage, humility and the imagination to become a modern political party for workers and working class communities in Scotland. Our values mean nothing without vision, conviction and committed action.”
She added: “We must be a party where people can believe in fair work and a healthy planet; where women’s rights and LGBTQ rights are a shared struggle; where engaging in debate about Scotland’s place in the UK and the global community is a strength, not a weakness.
“The soul-searching continues but my message to the leadership candidates is this: Scotland’s young people deserve a Scottish Labour Party who will stand up to billionaires and the wealthy elite.”
Lennon went on: “Their future is on the line. Our planet is burning and hope is fading. Punching down on trans people and other minorities is not acceptable. Do better, lead with decency and act with courage.
“Then, and only then, will there be a viable Scottish Labour Party worthy of the support of the people of Scotland.”
