Monica Lennon has launched a blistering attack on Scottish Labour's leadership contest, saying it "reeks of misogyny and male entitlement" as she faces being excluded from the race to succeed Anas Sarwar.
The Glasgow MSP said her party was operating like a "private members' club" in the contest, which currently features herself, Michael Marra, Joe Fagan and Katy Clark. Only Marra and Fagan have secured the support of the three MSPs and MPs needed to make the ballot, while Clark has not yet decided whether to stand.
Lennon, who sits on the soft Left of the party, has so far fallen short of the required nominations. If Clark does not enter the race, the contest would be an all-male affair.
Lennon: party is a 'private members' club'
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.
Part of Lennon's struggle to make the ballot lies in her failure to persuade Clark and fellow left-winger Carol Mochan to support her. Clark has leadership ambitions of her own, while Mochan and Lennon disagree on trans rights.
Sweeney backs Fagan
The increasingly bitter race has drawn in other MSPs, with Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney backing Fagan. 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."
In addition to support from six parliamentarians, trade union and other backing is also required to make the ballot.
