Key Anas Sarwar ally backs Joe Fagan for Scottish Labour leader

Neil Bibby, who has been an MSP since 2011, has announced he is supporting Mr Fagan in his bid to succeed Anas Sarwar

A key Anas Sarwar ally has backed Joe Fagan in the Scottish Labour leadership contest leadership contest.

Neil Bibby, who has been an MSP since 2011, has announced he is supporting Mr Fagan in his bid to succeed Anas Sarwar.

The West Scotland MSP said Mr Fagan has “leadership experience, a record of delivery and new ideas.”

The leadership contest was triggered after Mr Sarwar left Holyrood to take up a place in the House of Lords and become a UK Government minister.

Mr Bibby told members to “watch this space”.

He posted on X on Thursday morning: “I know Joe and all the potential candidates have strengths.

“Joe is a team player and he’s got: leadership experience, a record of delivery and new ideas.

“Scottish Labour needs all these and that’s why I will be nominating Joe.

“If you don’t know Joe then watch this space.”

Mr Fagan was a surprise candidate to run for the leadership as he only became an MSP for the first time in May.

The South Scotland MSP and former South Lanarkshire Council leader is going up against Monica Lennon and Michael Marra.

Mr Bibby is the longest-serving male Scottish Labour member of parliament, and third-longest serving overall.

He is currently the party’s shadow minister for parliamentary business and external affairs.

Mr Bibby’s endorsement comes after Scotland Office aide Frank McNally became the first MP to back Mr Fagan on Wednesday night.

The Coatbridge and Bellshill MP said: “Proud to support my friend and colleague Joe Fagan.

“Joe not only lives our Labour values, he has delivered them, having successfully led one of Scotland’s largest councils.

“He has the fresh vision & driving determination to transform Scottish Labour and deliver for Scotland.”

North East MSP Mr Marra, Scottish Labour’s finance spokesperson, was announced he would be standing earlier this week.

He already has the backing of enough MPs and MSPs to enter the contest.

But candidates also need the backing of three affiliate groups - including three unions - to make it onto the ballot.

Ms Lennon announced she was standing on Thursday. Left-winger Katy Clark is also mulling over whether to stand.

Ms Lennon received the backing of a second MP on Thursday - meaning she needs just one more to make it onto the ballot.

Alloa and Grangemouth’s Brian Leishman joined Falkirk MP Euan Stainbank in announcing his support for Ms Lennon on Thursday.

He said: “Everyone knows what Monica Lennon stands for.

“That’s why I’m backing her to be the next leader of Scottish Labour.

“She would turn our party into a bold radical movement that would transform Scotland for the better.

“That’s exactly what the Scottish Labour Party should be.”

Mr Leishman and Mr Stainbank are considered two of the more left-wing MPs in the Scottish Labour Westminster group.

Ms Lennon still needs two other MSPs to nominate her if she is to stand.

She is yet to receive public backing from any of her Holyrood colleagues.