Monica Lennon, the sole Scottish Labour leadership contender, has accused Sir Keir Starmer of being "selfish and stubborn" for resisting calls to stand down as prime minister.
Starmer Blamed for Labour's Decline
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland on Monday, Lennon said one of the key issues that saw Labour drop to just 17 MSPs in the May election was Starmer himself. "People felt they saw Keir Starmer and his words and actions didn't match – there was a deep disappointment," she said.
Lennon, who will return to Holyrood after Anas Sarwar's resignation, added: "I think, on reflection, Keir Starmer should have read the room, I think he was selfish and stubborn and I think that's been a big part of our problem. That has contaminated people's view of Scottish Labour."
The earliest high-profile call for Starmer to quit came from former Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar in February. Starmer was replaced by Andy Burnham earlier this month.
Lennon Calls for Debate
While the party is at its lowest ebb since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, Lennon warned "it can get worse." She is the first to enter the race to replace Sarwar but encouraged others to do so. "Scottish Labour's got some serious decisions to make, and it's really important that our members have their say, that they're heard," she said. "I hope that other colleagues do come forward because I would welcome a debate, a discussion and a contest."
