Exclusive:Anas Sarwar's comms chief working on Joe Fagan's Labour leadership campaign
Oliver Milne, who was Scottish Labour’s head of media until recently, is helping Mr Fagan is his bid to replace Mr Sarwar.
Anas Sarwar’s comms chief is working on Joe Fagan’s leadership campaign - despite the South Scotland MSP claiming that “continuity won’t cut it”.
Oliver Milne, who was Scottish Labour’s head of media until recently, is helping Mr Fagan is his bid to replace Mr Sarwar.
Another key member of Mr Sarwar’s team, head of field James McPhilemy, is also assisting the campaign.
It comes after one of Mr Sarwar’s key allies in Holyrood, long-serving MSP Neil Bibby, backed Mr Fagan for leader.
Mr Fagan has been particularly critical of Mr Sarwar over the past week, taking a swipe at him for joining the House of Lords.
A Labour source said: “If you’re going to suggest you reject Anas going to the Lords, continuity won’t cut it and you’re not anyone’s puppet - probably best you don’t have senior members of the outgoing leadership team running your campaign.”
Mr Milne was Scottish Labour’s head of media and digital from 2021 until recently.
The Scotsman understands that he is not being paid for the work on Mr Fagan’s campaign.
Mr Fagan, who only became an MSP three months ago, is running against Monica Lennon and Michael Marra for the leadership.
His bid for the top job came as a bit of a surprise due to his inexperience, but his allies have talked up his record as leader of South Lanarkshire Council.
Mr Fagan has repeatedly said in the campaign that “continuity won’t cut it” and has been critical of Mr Sarwar.
Mr Marra is the most senior of the candidates, as he has been Labour’s shadow finance secretary since 2023.
Despite having one of the biggest jobs in Mr Sarwar’s top team, many folk close to the former leader have opted to back Mr Fagan instead.
Mr Fagan has been accused of being a “puppet” for interim leader Jackie Baillie, who was Mr Sarwar’s deputy.
Although his camp have hit back, saying he is “nobody’s puppet”.
It comes as left-wing MSP Katy Clark confirmed she is not standing in the contest.
The West Scotland MSP had been mulling up a potential tilt at replacing Anas Sarwar.
She has now demanded the three remaining candidates push for public ownership of care, buses, leisure, and educational services.
Baroness Clark also said the party should work more closely with trade unions and push for full employment.
Ms Clark not running should help Ms Lennon, who is struggling for MP and MSP endorsements.
Candidates need three MPs and three MSPs backing them.
Ms Lennon currently has two MPs - Brian Leishman and Euan Stainbank - but no MSPs.
Ms Clark not standing may mean that she and fellow left-winger Carol Mochan give Ms Lennon the Holyrood nominations she needs.
Mr Fagan reached the required number of parliamentary nominations on Monday.
He has the backing of MSPs Neil Bibby and Paul Sweeney, as well as MPs Katrina Murray, Frank McNally and Imogen Walker.
Mr Marra had already reached the required number of nominations.
As well as endorsements from parliamentarians, candidates required the support of three affiliate groups, two of which must be trade unions, to make the ballot.
Ms Lennon is expected to find it easier to gain union nominations, while Mr Marra and Mr Fagan may be battling it out for the same organisations.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.