Scottish Labour leadership contender Monica Lennon has called for an end to the party's ban on council coalition deals, arguing it could help counter the rise of Reform UK.
Ending the ban to block Reform
Lennon said she would trust local Labour groups to make their own decisions, even if that meant forming coalitions with the SNP. The current ban, imposed by former leader Anas Sarwar in 2022, prevented Labour councillors from forming coalitions with the SNP or the Tories. Many councillors resented the restriction, seeing it as centralisation of power.
Lennon told the Record: “We need to unite against the poison of Reform.” She added: “The immediate priority for the party is the local government elections next year and ensuring local services are protected. The last thing our local communities need is the wrecking ball of Reform smashing services and undermining community relations.”
Reform threat and local control
Reform UK, an anti-immigration party, is expected to make significant gains in the 2027 council elections. Lennon fears that without lifting the ban, Reform councillors could gain influence over local services such as schools, transport and housing.
She also linked the issue to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s agenda of devolving more powers to councils, arguing it must include trusting local representatives.
Lennon said: “If I was leader, I would argue for the ban on Labour council groups doing coalition deals with other mainstream parties to be lifted. Devolution means respecting Scottish Labour councillors to make the right decisions for their areas.” She stressed her “strong personal preference” against deals with the Tories but said she trusted the judgement of councillors. Any deals with Nigel Farage’s Reform would be banned.
Leadership contest
Lennon is one of several contenders in the race to succeed Sarwar. Others include MSP Michael Marra, who has announced his bid, and newly elected MSP Joe Fagan, who is being encouraged to stand. West Scotland MSP Katy Clark, who worked for former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, is also considering a run.
Nominees need support from three Labour MSPs, three Scottish Labour MPs, and trade union or local party backing. The result will be announced on September 19.
