'Unison backs Monica Lennon to become Scottish Labour leader'

One of Scotland’s biggest unions has backed Monica Lennon to become the next Scottish Labour leader.

Unison said its Labour Link committee endorsed the politician after an online hustings with leadership rivals Michael Marra and Joe Fagan.

Ms Lennon still does not have enough support from parliamentarians to officially enter the race.

Janine Langler, Unison Scotland Labour Link vice-chairwoman, said the next leader must protect public sector jobs.

She said: “The Scottish Labour leader must stand up for public services and fight the SNP’s plans to axe 20,000 jobs as part of cuts amounting to a billion pounds.

“Scotland has the longest NHS waiting lists since devolution, social care’s in crisis and councils have serious financial problems. Public services need investment, not cuts.”

Earlier, Ms Lennon, who became an MSP again following Anas Sarwar’s resignation, warned her party had “turned to rubble”.

She posted in response to Labour MP Jon Trickett, who said “get Monica on the ballot paper”.

She wrote: “What @jon_trickett is saying reflects how members feel.

“After 19 years of opposition and six Holyrood election defeats, @ScottishLabour has turned to rubble.

“We need time and space to get this right before we lose more members and activists and there’s no one left to lead.”