RICHARD LEONARD’S ally Monica Lennon has confirmed that she is a candidate to succeed him as Scottish Labour leader.

The Central Scotland MSP and party health spokeswoman is now in a contest against Mr Sarwar to replace Mr Leonard, following the latter’s shock announcement last Thursday that he would step down.

Ms Lennon, who backed Mr Leonard in the previous Scottish Labour leadership election, said that she had decided to put herself forward after having “extensive discussions with party members.”