One of Scotland's biggest trade unions has backed Monica Lennon to become the next leader of Scottish Labour.
Unite said it was endorsing the MSP to replace Richard Leonard as it had worked with her on a number of campaigns, including the succesful proposal to make period products available free of charge.
Lennon announced her intention to stand for the leadership on Sunday 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 the SNP is heavily tipped to win at a canter.
Unite Scottish Secretary Pat Rafferty said: “We have worked closely with Monica on a number of issues including the Period Poverty campaign which has now become world leading legislation.
"She is a person who understands the day to day struggles of working people and the challenges people face in making ends meet. Monica is also a strong supporter of trade unions and it's a combination of these personal and political qualities, which we believe make her absolutely the best placed person to lead a revival of the party’s fortunes in Scotland.”
Lennon said: "I came into politics to make life better for workers and for people who don’t get a fair start in life.
"As leader of Scottish Labour, my mission will be to deliver the radical social and economic change that Scotland needs. It is by working with Unite Scotland, the wider trade union movement and people outside of the corridors of power that
"I have achieved significant wins in Parliament, including routine Covid testing for healthcare workers and a social care workers fund for those needing to self-isolate. My leadership is focused on doing things differently and building the people’s recovery that Scotland needs."
Sarwar today 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.
