THE Scottish Labour Campaign for Socialism (CFS) has thrown its support behind Monica Lennon’s bid for leadership with a call for “a definitive break from the failed politics of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie.”

While not one of the formal nomination candidates required to get on the ballot paper ahead of Monday’s deadline, the move marks Ms Lennon — rather than her colleagues Joe Fagan or Michael Marra — as the left’s preferred candidate.

Welcoming Ms Lennon’s “commitment to learn from the failures of the last five years,” a CFS statement said: “Monica is gathering significant trade union support and represents the best available option to members, affiliates and more importantly working-class communities across Scotland desperate for a definitive break from the failed politics of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie.

“Monica’s campaign must embrace public ownership, wealth redistribution, fresh constitutional thinking, a just transition that directly involves affected communities and the defence of essential services as the SNP government prepare to cast 20,000 public-sector workers onto the scrap heap.

“Scottish Labour succeeds when it is radical and transformative in its vision.”

Making clear, however, that CFS would be writing no blank cheques, co-chair Mike Cowley told the Star: “CfS members expect Monica’s campaign to make the argument for public ownership and redistribution missing from Scottish Labour’s May manifesto. 

“All candidates must commit to defending public services braced for savage SNP cuts.”

Co-chair and Scottish Labour SEC member Lauren Harper added: “Leadership contenders have not put forward the kind of radical class based policy proposals needed to change Scottish Labour’s fortunes. 

“It is still early days and we look forward to hearing these as the campaign progresses.”

Welcoming the endorsement, Ms Lennon, who has won a nomination from Unison Labour Link, but still requires nominations from at least one more MSP and one MP to get on the ballot, told the Star: “I’m delighted to have the endorsement of the Campaign for Socialism. 

“The left of the Scottish Labour Party should always be involved in shaping the future of the party and our policy discussions.

“As a movement we are at our strongest when we have the broadest set of ideas, views and voices. 

“My leadership would be an open door. I want everyone to participate in transforming our party and our country.”