Gina Davidson

The Scottish Labour leadership contest has opened amid allegations of misogyny after Katy Clark ruled herself out and Monica Lennon accused the process of reflecting male entitlement. Lennon, a left-wing candidate, says the party remains factional and must regain the trust of Scottish voters, while facing criticism over her past stance on gender-recognition reforms. Michael Marra and Joe Fagan are understood to have secured the parliamentary endorsements needed to stand, whereas Lennon is still seeking sufficient backing. Party members and affiliated supporters will vote from August 28 to September 17, with the new leader due to be announced on September 19.

Kezia Dugdale urges incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to prioritise Scotland by appointing a Scottish Secretary committed to the role and rebuilding strained relations between London and Holyrood. She warns that continued weak engagement from the UK Government risks repeating past mistakes and argues that Burnham must broaden his approach to devolution while pursuing structural reforms such as electoral change and House of Lords reform. Dugdale sees Burnham as a more optimistic leader than his predecessor but stresses that meaningful progress requires early action on social care, the cost of living and long‑term constitutional issues, including Scotland’s place in the Union.

Sir David Davis used parliamentary privilege to accuse Nicola Sturgeon of covering up Peter Murrell’s embezzlement and conspiring to damage Alex Salmond’s reputation, calling for a judicial inquiry into SNP finances and conduct. Murrell’s conviction for embezzling more than £400,000 and alleged purchases of luxury items were cited as evidence Sturgeon must have known about his actions. Davis claimed prosecutors protected Sturgeon and suggested a conspiracy within the SNP to silence Salmond. Sturgeon rejected the allegations through her lawyer, who said she had been cleared after a lengthy investigation and that Murrell alone was responsible for criminal wrongdoing.