Joani Reid, the Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, has publicly endorsed Joe Fagan to become the next leader of Scottish Labour. Writing for the Record, Reid praised Fagan's character and his understanding of ordinary Scots, highlighting his background in local government and his commitment to fighting for North Sea jobs.
Why Fagan stands out
Reid recounted that when Fagan phoned to tell her he was standing, she didn't need to think twice. She noted that during her recent difficult months, Fagan stood by her when there was nothing in it for him, demonstrating his decency and kindness. While these are reasons to like him, Reid argued they are not alone sufficient for leadership, but she believes he has the right qualities.
Reid pointed to Scottish Labour's heavy defeat in May, saying voters never warmed to Keir Starmer and had stopped listening. As a Labour MP, she acknowledged the party cannot duck that hit, and while blaming Starmer is easy, the party must decide where it goes from here. She noted that too many voters came away without a clear idea of what the party stood for or what it wanted to do with power, and that the party lacked a single policy voters could repeat.
Fagan's local roots and North Sea stance
Reid emphasized that Fagan has never been absorbed into the Holyrood bubble, with his politics formed in East Kilbride and local government. She said he listens properly, knows his own mind, and is comfortable with people who don't spend their lives talking about politics. Local government, she argued, strips away political theatre and focuses on real consequences, such as care packages, housing, and accountability.
Reid also highlighted Fagan's approach to the North Sea, noting he is the first candidate to say he will fight for Rosebank and Jackdaw until the UK Government approves them. She agreed with him, preferring to say so now rather than after more jobs are lost.
Leadership for Scotland
Reid supported discussions about giving Scottish Labour greater autonomy and possible changes to party rules, but stressed that none of it is a substitute for strong political leadership. A Scottish Labour leader should be able to say when something is wrong for Scotland on the morning the decision lands, requiring confidence, judgement, and courage.
She cited Andy Burnham in Greater Manchester as an example, who built his own mandate and used it to make London listen when Westminster got something wrong. Reid wants a leader who can work with a Labour government at Westminster but whose first responsibility is to speak up for Scotland without looking over his shoulder. She concluded that she knows Joe well enough to say he is that leader.
