MONICA Lennon has won the backing of Scotland’s largest trade union in the Labour leadership contest.
Leaders of Unison endorsed Lennon ahead of her rival for the post, fellow MSP Anas Sarwar.
The leadership contest was sparked by the sudden resignation of Richard Leonard earlier this month, with Sarwar regarded as the frontrunner to succeed him.
Gordon McKay, Scottish chair of Unison Labour Link, said Lennon’s support for public services showed she is the “right person” for the job. He stated: “As the biggest trade union in Scotland, made up of 80% women members, Unison Scotland Labour Link is delighted to nominate Monica Lennon for leader of Scottish Labour.
“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.”
With Lennon having piloted legislation through Holyrood that will make period products available for free to those who need them, he also said Lennon had a “track record of delivering on women’s rights and equality”, and that this “reflects the values of Unison for a good and decent society”.
Meanwhile, the GMB union announced it was backing Sarwar for the post.
The union’s Scotland secretary, Gary Smith, said: “For many years it has been very clear that Labour has lacked clarity of purpose and Scotland has lacked effective political opposition – Anas presented a clear and unambiguous plan to restore both.
“Both Anas and Monica are active GMB members who are consistent campaigners for the interests of working people across the country and we wish them both the best for the race ahead.”
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