Anas Sarwar's decision to quit as Scottish Labour leader to join Andy Burnham's Government - first revealed by the Record - has sent shockwaves through his party. Senior party figures wanted him to stay on longer and steer Scottish Labour through a rocky period. But he is going to the House of Lords and there will likely be a leadership contest to fill the vacancy.
Michael Marra: The Frontrunner
Sarwar's finance spokesperson is the frontrunner and is known to be interested in the job. The Dundonian, a moderate who knows the party inside out, will count on sizable support among Labour MSPs and MPs as he puts together a bid. On the downside, he was famously rude about Burnham last year at UK Labour conference - telling him to “shut up” - and he is said to have a poor relationship with powerbroker and deputy leader Jackie Baillie.
Monica Lennon: Potential Candidate
When Sarwar quits Holyrood for the Lords - as he must due to a ban on dual mandates - former MSP Lennon will likely take his place on the Glasgow List. Her soft-Left politics may chime with the membership in any contest and she has been a staunch supporter of Burnham’s takeover. A problem for Lennon is the timing of any contest. She can only be sworn in to Holyrood in September and an immediate race would preclude her from being a candidate.
Paul Sweeney: Soft-Left Contender
The Glasgow MSP is also seen as being on the soft-Left and is one of the few Scottish politicians who has a rapport with the new Prime Minister. Allies say his affable, easy going style would appeal to a broad sweep of voters and open the door to winning support back from the SNP. Question marks exist on the appetite he has for the job, as being a political leader is a 24/7 job that shows no mercy on the post-holder.
Joe Fagan: Potential Candidate
If Sweeney declines, his friend Joe Fagan could be tapped on the shoulder and urged to stand. The newly-elected South Scotland MSP was the leader of South Lanarkshire council and knows how to run an organisation. With Baillie said to be keen for the job not to go to Marra, her allies could persuade the rookie MSP to run.
Daniel Johnson: Possible Contender
The Edinburgh Southern MSP has been seen as a Marra ally and would be expected to back him in any contest. But a source said the pair clashed during the Holyrood election on the manifesto and Johnson could have ambitions of his own. He has made robust contributions in the Scottish Parliament of late and commands authority in the chamber. However, he is also posh and party figures question whether he could connect with voters outside Morningside.
