Labour MSP Monica Lennon says leadership contest reeks of “misogyny and male entitlement”

by BILL HEANEY

A Scottish Labour leadership contender has claimed the looming contest reeks of “misogyny and male entitlement”.

According to the Daily Record, Monica Lennon, who faces being excluded from the race to succeed Anas Sarwar, also said her party is operating like a “private members’ club”.

The Labour MSP for Dumbarton in the Holyrood parliament is Jackie Baillie, who is currently acting leader following the resignation of Anas Sarwar, who is going to the House of Lords, and she says she intends to hold on to the deputy job.

MSPs Michael Marra, Joe Fagan, Katy Clark and Lennon are all in the race to become the next Scottish Labour leader.

Michael Marra and Katy Clark are both up for the Labour leadership job.

But only Marra and Fagan have won the support of the three MSPs and MPs needed to make the ballot.

Lennon, who is on the soft Left, has so far fallen short and Clark has not made a final decision on whether she will try to become a candidate.

The prospect of the two women not being candidates increases the likelihood of an all-male ballot.

In a post on X, Lennon wrote: “Scottish Labour is about to repeat the same mistakes. We can’t accuse others of cronyism if we operate like a private members’ club, placing personal and factional ties above principles and the country. We must debate big ideas, find our backbone and rediscover boldness.

“This ‘contest’ reeks of misogyny and male entitlement. That’s the road to nowhere. We’re not here for a social life or to win an occasional debate. We were created to win power for working class communities and lead in government, not from the gutter.”

She added: “The day after I declared my interests, I was on @BBCRadioScot encouraging others to step forward. I’ve never feared a contest; it’s necessary. Why do men expect a coronation or a ballot without women?”

She concluded by saying she stood with Clark and all the women in the party.

Scots Labour MP Brian Leishman, an outspoken critic of Sir Keir Starmer, said he agreed with “every word” of Lennon’s statement.

However, part of Lennon’s struggle to make the ballot rests with her not persuading Clark and fellow left-winger Carol Mochan to support her.

It comes after Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney backed Fagan in the increasingly bitter race.

He said: “Joe’s record in South Lanarkshire matters. He has led one of Scotland’s largest councils, made difficult decisions, balanced budgets and delivered for people who depend on local services every day.

“He understands local government, respects our trade union movement and knows that power has to sit closer to the people and communities it affects.

“I believe Joe is the candidate who can best ensure those values are represented in this contest.

“That is why I am backing him, and why I encourage colleagues and party members who want a rooted, socialist and municipal Scottish Labour Party to give him their support.”

One comment

Billie says:

August 3, 2026 at 12:11 pm

Sensible decision by Dame Jackie to remain deputy leader.

Anas certainly didn’t think much of the top job or of democracy when he swanned off to be an unelected Lord.

And that’s a problem..it shows how little commitment he had to the slot

It just a constant procession. Old pals together sadly.

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