Former Scottish Labour MSP Monica Lennon has cautioned against viewing Andy Burnham as a "messiah" who can reverse the party's fortunes following another "disaster" at the Holyrood election. Lennon, who lost her seat in May's Scottish Parliament poll, argued that Scottish Labour needs "more control over our own destiny" after suffering a fifth consecutive defeat to the SNP.
Burnham's rise and Scottish Labour's review
Burnham is widely expected to succeed Keir Starmer as UK Labour leader next month, after Starmer announced his intention to resign. Lennon recently campaigned for Burnham in the Makerfield constituency in Greater Manchester, where the former mayor won decisively ahead of Reform UK. She acknowledged Burnham's appeal, saying: "On the doors, it felt like people had a connection with Andy Burnham. He's been on a journey, and he has perhaps evolved his views, but I think his values have remained constant."
However, Lennon stressed that changing the leader alone is insufficient. "The Scottish election disaster was made in Downing Street, but Andy Burnham is not a messiah," she said. Lennon blamed Starmer for the SNP's victory, noting that "anyone who knocked doors for Scottish Labour could not get beyond how disappointed people were. They expected better from Labour and there was a frustration the pace of change was too slow."
Calls for greater autonomy
Lennon, who challenged Anas Sarwar for the Scottish Labour leadership in 2020, has previously suggested that Scottish Labour should separate from the UK party. She confirmed that "nothing is off the table" regarding breaking away, adding: "It's not for Andy Burnham, or a leader of UK Labour to decide, what we need to do within Scottish Labour is have more control over our own destiny."
Scottish Labour is now undertaking a "big review" that will ask "searching questions" on key issues, including its constitutional position and stance on a second independence referendum. Lennon concluded: "We have an opportunity over the summer for Scottish Labour to come together and make sure we don't shy away from responsibility."
