Joe Fagan has become the third MSP to enter the Scottish Labour leadership race, widening the contest to replace Anas Sarwar. The South Scotland MSP said a recent Labour by-election win showed the party could start to win back voters' trust.
Fagan's decision adds another name to a contest that now has multiple candidates from within the parliamentary party. His message appears to focus on Labour's chances of rebuilding support in Scotland and convincing voters that the party can return to government with a stronger mandate.
Sarwar, who has led Scottish Labour since 2021, said he would work with whoever succeeds him in order to serve people across Scotland. That signals an effort by the outgoing leader to keep the party united as the race develops.
The party's ruling body, the Scottish Executive Committee, has also moved the leadership process forward. With the contest now taking shape, attention will turn to how each candidate sets out their plans for Scottish Labour and how they intend to reconnect with voters.
