Ryan Mcdougall

Michael Marra and Joe Fagan have joined Monica Lennon in announcing bids to lead Scottish Labour after Anas Sarwar’s resignation. Marra said the party must respond to six consecutive Holyrood election defeats by listening, learning and changing, while Fagan argued that community-rooted work, including his record in South Lanarkshire, could help rebuild trust. The party will open nominations on August 3, ballot members and supporters from August 28 to September 17, and announce the new leader on September 19. Lennon is expected to receive Sarwar’s Glasgow list seat after his move to the House of Lords and a UK ministerial role.

Lulu discusses the challenges of overcoming addiction and her commitment to supporting recovery as she prepares to speak at the Scottish Recovery Awards. She reflects on her own sobriety since 2013 and emphasises the importance of recognising people who have overcome substance misuse. Abbeycare chief executive Paul Bowley praises her involvement and highlights Scotland’s ongoing struggles with drug and alcohol-related harm while promoting the event’s role in honouring recovery efforts.