Monica Lennon has rejected calls for Scottish Labour to break away from the UK party, instead calling for a "modern, mature relationship" as she bids to replace Anas Sarwar as leader.
The MSP, who lost her seat in May's Holyrood election but is set to return to parliament when Sarwar resigns, said "the status quo simply isn't working" but stopped short of endorsing a full separation from London.
Internal review underway
Some Scottish Labour members have urged the party to go its own way after another heavy defeat to the SNP. An internal review is examining the party's setup in Scotland and its relationship with the wider UK organisation.
Lennon announced her leadership bid on Saturday, saying there needed to be "a modern, mature relationship built on genuine mutual respect – one where Scottish Labour members trust and believe they have a voice in shaping our future direction."
'Not a breakaway candidate'
"I'm standing because I've heard the call of our grassroots members and colleagues from all parts of the country who want a radical reset. The relationship with the UK party must change," she told the Daily Record.
"This isn't about walking away or setting up a breakaway party. I'm not a candidate who is proposing that. It's about being honest with ourselves. The status quo simply isn't working, and the work of party autonomy remains unfinished."
She added: "I'm not proposing we tear up our ties with UK Labour. I want a modern, mature relationship built on genuine mutual respect – one where Scottish Labour members trust and believe they have a voice in shaping our future direction."
Criticism of Keir Starmer
Lennon described Prime Minister Keir Starmer's reluctance to stand down as "selfish and stubborn." She said his leadership had "contaminated people's view of Scottish Labour" and was a primary reason for the party's poor election performance.
"The party has had its worst election result ever in the history of the Scottish Parliament – in fact we've been losing seats and votes since 1999, so there's a downward trend that cannot be ignored," she told BBC Scotland.
"There's lots of reasons, but I think the primary reason was Keir Starmer. We couldn't get a proper hearing on the doorsteps or around the country because that was the first thing that was brought up."
Background
Lennon, 45, is widely regarded as an effective campaigner and gained international attention for pioneering legislation that made Scotland the first country to make period products a legal right. She has held several frontbench roles.
Sarwar confirmed he is stepping down as Scottish Labour leader to become Minister of State for Trade in Andy Burnham's government, and will be granted a peerage to take a seat in the House of Lords.
