Scottish Labour MSP Katy Clark has nominated Monica Lennon in the party’s leadership contest, after deciding not to stand herself. In a statement on Tuesday, Ms Clark said she would back Ms Lennon to “help her get on the ballot paper”.
Context of the contest
Ms Lennon has returned to Holyrood after former leader Anas Sarwar’s appointment to the House of Lords, having lost her seat at May’s election. But reports suggest she could fall short of the required nominations to make it on to the ballot paper in the contest alongside fellow MSPs Michael Marra and Joe Fagan.
Candidates are required to secure the support of three MPs and three MSPs from within the party, and Ms Lennon is one short of the required number of elected members at Holyrood.
Clark’s statement
“I have nominated Monica Lennon to help her get on the ballot paper,” Ms Clark said on Tuesday. “Members need the widest choice of candidates to select from rather than simply having a continuity candidate being nodded through.”
