Scottish Labour leadership nominations closed as candidates narrowed down to two

The nomination period in the Scottish Labour leadership contest has closed, with two candidates meeting the threshold for ballot.

Anas Sarwar, who described the post as the hardest job in British politics, stepped down last month to join the House of Lords and be part of Andy Burnham’s government.

His decision to quit just over two months after Scottish Labour suffered its worst Holyrood election result has angered some party members.

Three MSPs were seeking to replace him, with Scottish finance spokesperson Michael Marra, Joe Fagan, a former council leader who was elected as an MSP for the South of Scotland in May, and Monica Lennon, who lost her seat at Holyrood, all vying for the top spot.

However, after nominations closed at 10am on Monday, only Marra and Fagan were successful in meeting the threshold required to be eligible for the ballot. 

A series of hustings is planned, with voting to get under way on August 28.

Members then have until September 17 to complete their ballots, with the result declared on Saturday, September 19.

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