Exclusive:Monica Lennon confirmed as MSP and 'has numbers for leadership race'

Monica Lennon announced last week she would run for the Scottish Labour leadership (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Monica Lennon has been confirmed as an MSP and her backers say she has the numbers to make it onto the Scottish Labour leadership ballot.

Ms Lennon officially became an MSP for the Glasgow region on Wednesday.

It was confirmed by the Regional Returning Officer and Ms Lennon’s status has since been been updated on the Scottish Parliament’s website.

She takes the place of Anas Sarwar, who resigned as Scottish Labour leader and from Holyrood after being made a UK Government minister and given a place in the House of Lords.

Ms Lennon is running to replace him as Scottish Labour leader.

Although it had previously been suggested that she would not be eligible to run, her confirmation as an MSP paves the way for her to stand.

Her allies are confident that she has enough support to make it onto the ballot.

Candidates need nominations from three MPs, three MSPs and three Scottish Labour affiliate organisations, of which two must be trade unions.

On Wednesday evening Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank said he was backing Ms Lennon.

He posted on X: “I believe there are many fantastic comrades who have been talked about as Scottish Labour leader.

“Of those who have confirmed they are putting themselves forward, my friend Monica Lennon would be the best candidate to lead us going forwards.

Scottish Labour shadow finance secretary Michael Marra and South Scotland MSP Joe Fagan - who was only elected to Holyrood in May - are also running to replace Mr Sarwar.

One of Ms Lennon’s supporters said: “Monica’s achievements in Holyrood are exceptional, she is a dedicated effective campaigner who has a track record of delivering for her constituents and all over Scotland.

“Her work on ending period poverty is the envy of other nations over the world.”

Ms Lennon was a Central Scotland MSP between 2016 and 2026.

She was fourth on the Glasgow list in May, but was not elected as Labour only won three regional list seats for the city.

Mr Sarwar’s departure meant the seat went to Ms Lennon as she was the next candidate on the list.

Ms Lennon stood against Mr Sarwar for the Scottish Labour leadership in 2021. She lost, taking 42 per cent of the vote.