A SECOND senior Scottish Labour figure is quitting their role as Richard Leonard faces a “mass exodus”.
Yesterday Michael Sharpe, a close ally of Leonard and the party’s general secretary, revealed he would be leaving his role due to the demands of a young family.
It comes as Labour has been polling as low as 14% ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May.
Today it has emerged Leonard is now losing another key team member – Lynn McMath, the party’s director of communications.
READ MORE: Scottish Labour's top official resigns on eve of party's Holyrood campaign
The Daily Record reported she has been offered another position outside of Scottish Labour.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Conservatives commented: “Just five months before an election, Labour are in full-on crisis mode again.
“A mass exodus of their top brass is a clear sign of a political party in turmoil.
“The once-great Scottish Labour party are losing staff as quickly as they’re losing supporters.”
Labour declined to comment, saying they don’t discuss staff.
Sharpe, who was brought on as general secretary in October 2019, posted a statement on social media explaining his decision to step down.
He wrote: “After deep consideration and discussions with my family, I will be leaving my post as Scottish general secretary.
“The Labour Party has always been - and will continue to be - a cherished part of my life.
“It’s been an honour top work with the party in Holyrood for nine years before joining as Scottish General Secretary.
“However, with elections to the Scottish Parliament five months away, I realise that I cannot give my young family and the party I love the commitment that they each deserve.”
Leonard said he wanted to give his “thanks and appreciation” to Sharpe for his work in the party.
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