Monica Lennon slams Scottish Labour as 'nasty' amid failed leadership bid
MSP Monica Lennon accused Scottish Labour of hostility toward trans people after she missed the nomination threshold for the party’s leadership race.
Monica Lennon, a former Scottish Labour MSP, labelled the party “quite nasty” and claimed it has a problem with trans people after failing to secure enough nominations for the leadership contest. She told one outlet Scotland that the party, which tied for second place with Reform in the Holyrood election, should demonstrate respect and compassion toward transgender individuals, noting she doubts any trans members still vote for Labour.
The leadership race opened after Anas Sarwar announced his resignation as leader and MSP to join Andy Burnham’s government, following Labour’s worst performance in the Scottish Parliament. Candidates Michael Marra and Joe Fagan have expressed scepticism about recent reforms to simplify legal gender changes, while Lennon urged them to improve their stance on LGBTQ rights. The party’s acting leader, Jackie Baillie, will oversee the process, with the new leader to be announced on 19 September.
Why it matters
The criticism highlights internal divisions in Scottish Labour over trans rights, affecting its public image and leadership contest.
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